Harold Lee Boonstra

Harold Lee Boonstra passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013 at the Mesa Glen Care Center in Glendora, California. He was 84 years old and died in his sleep of natural causes.

Harold was born on December 20, 1928 in Adrian, Michigan to George Joseph and Nora Florence (Morgan) Boonstra. His early years were spent in Adrian, Michigan. Later the family moved to Illinois. Harold, his sister Marguerite and his parents, eventually moved to California where Harold attended South Gate High School.

After completing school, on January 22, 1947, Harold married Anna Marie Swanson in Tijuana, Mexico, and went to work for Scotty’s Gas Station. Early in 1948 before their first child was born, he then went to work for Alcoa Aluminum in Vernon, California. He was an extrusion press operator and took an early retirement after more than 30 years of service. Harold was married to Anna Marie for 36 years and they were blessed with six children.
After Harold’s retirement and subsequent divorce, he decided to buy a sail boat. He always said “if your uncle can teach himself to sail a boat, then so can I”, so he bought a sailboat and taught himself the skill of sailing. He thoroughly enjoyed sailing and took his children and grandchildren out on the boat often, sailing to Catalina was a favorite destination of his and of his sons.

Harold is survived by four of his children: Becky Boonstra of Dover, PA; Christine Allen of Glendora, CA, Diana Palmer of Tehachapi, CA.; and Andrew Joseph Boonstra of Longview, WA; his grandchildren: Wayne, Stephanie, Leanne, Jeffrey, John, Stacy, Andrew Joseph Jr., Brandi Marie; his great-grandchildren: Cameron, Lauren Elizabeth, Zachary, Andrew Jeffrey, Nathan Jeffrey, Ryan, Channing Nicole, Korin, Kelly, Katie, Joseph Andrew, Lillian, Sean, Evan; nieces and nephew: Patricia Ann, Peggy Lee, Donald; and cousin Dan Boonstra of San Jose, California. Our sincerest apologies if we missed someone.

Harold was preceded in death by his sons Harold Lee, Jr. and Matthew Lloyd, parents George and Nora Boonstra, and his sister Marguerite.

At Harold’s wish, no funeral services were to be held. A small family memorial service was held in celebration of his life at the home of Christine and Richard Allen on July 18, 2013. Harold’s ashes were spread at sea. He is at peace now, in a place he enjoyed so much.
A special Thank You to Mesa Glen Care Facility in Glendora from all of our family for your help and support during Harold’s recent move to your facility and the care you provided during his final days.