Jacob J. Feenstra

Haverhill: Jacob J. Feenstra, 86, a resident of Haverhill since 1960, died Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House.

Born, raised and educated in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, he was the son of the late Bouke and Renske (Jongedyk) Feenstra.

Mr. Feenstra received his degree in Electronics and was employed by IBM as a Sales and Maintenance Representative throughout Europe until emigrating to the United States. He was also a professional hockey player and a former member of The Netherlands National Hockey Team, The Ice Vogels, representing his country across Europe in ice hockey championships.

Mr. Feenstra established himself as a carpenter after moving to the area and was employed by local contractors, including Garold Morse Construction and Franzone Brothers Construction before establishing Feenstra Construction Co. in 1978.

Throughout the years, Mr. Feenstra continued his interest in hockey in the Haverhill area as a member and coach of the Haverhill Youth Hockey program and as a coach of the Northern Essex Community College Hockey Team. He was an avid tennis player, a member of the Haverhill Country Club, enjoyed woodworking, and driving and maintaining his antique Jaguar.

Most recently his favorite past times were spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and family. He enjoyed gardening, wildlife and was a diehard Boston Bruins fan.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-two years, Margaretha M. "Rie" (Bakels) Feenstra, a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Deanna Feenstra of Haverhill, daughters and son-in-law, Katja and Paul Lavallee of Atkinson, NH, and Tanya Bonagura of Fremont, NH, a brother John Feenstra of Mykonos, Greece, seven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Monique (Feenstra) Davis in 2008.

Private family services will be held and there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home of Plaistow, NH. To send a message of condolence to the family please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com.