Pieter Van de Merwe Obituary (1923 - 2006)

To view a video tribute for Pieter Van de Merwe, please click here. “The Flying Dutchman” Pieter Van de Merwe, age 82, passed away April 6, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Ut. Born September 8. 1923 in Dordrecht, Netherlands to Jan and Cornelia Lucia Wetter Van de Merwe. Married Marie Bakker on March 19, 1949 in Salt Lake City, later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Peter lived in Holland until 1948 where as a young man he experienced the hardships of World War II. His lifelong hobby has been breeding and racing homing pigeons. He was highly respected and recognized for his champion birds and won many awards. He loved hunting and fishing and doing temple work. He was a brick mason by profession. Survived by his wife, daughter Connie (Tucker) Nipko, 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Brothers and sisters, John (Gladys), Joe (Donna), Bill (Janice), Steve (Klazina), Corrie Asmus, Bea Van de Merwe. Preceded in death by parents, infant son, infant daughter, grandson, brother Adrian and sister Lena Goble. Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 11, 2006 at 12:00 noon at the Murray 11th Ward, 5750 So. (100 West) Nena Way. Visitation will be held Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State St. and Tuesday at the Church from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.