Obituary of Peter J. Claessen

Surrounded by his loving, family the passing of Peter Claessen, husband of Dorothy (Fanjoy) Claessen, occurred on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was born on January 18, 1926 at Herkenbosch, Netherlands to the late Jacobus and Gertrudis (Van Can) Claessen. Peter came to Canada in 1951 and worked with master furniture maker Alban Emery for many years, until he formed his own company Peter Claessen & Sons Ltd. Peter loved woodworking and working close with his sons. Like Alban, Peter was extremely talented in his field; his furniture is featured in the New Brunswick Legislature and Government House. He was an active member of the Saint John Coin Club, Saint John Stamp Club, Welsford Golf Club and the Friday Mixed and Thursday Recycled Teenagers Bowling Leagues. In his youth, Peter was a member of the Netherlands's National Soccer Team. He worked from the age of 16, retiring in January of 2009 only because of failing health. Besides his loving wife, Dorothy, Peter is survived by two sons, Paul (Margo) and Eric both of Saint John; two grandchildren: Christopher and Ashley; one brother: Jozef of the Netherlands; three sisters: Margriet, Meit and Truus all of the Netherlands and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Karl; infant daughter, Maria; six brothers: Willem, Harrie, Bair, Jan, Jacobus and Leo and two sisters: Toos and Annie. Resting at Brenan's Bay View Select Community Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (634-7425) on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held from Bay View Chapel on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11 am. Interment will take place Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.