John Everett Giliam

John Everett Giliam, 63, of Lynden, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at his home with his wife Renee and lifelong friend Marlin Zoerink by his side after a short but courageous battle with ALS.

Born on December 30, 1962, in Artesia, California, to William and Sadie Giliam, John was the third son to join brothers Sid and Karl. At three months old, he moved with his family to Washington, where he was raised on the family homestead on H Street Road and grew up helping with the dairy farm. He attended Ebenezer School and graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1981.

John married Renee Roorda on September 8, 1989. Their 36-year marriage was filled with deep partnership and shared adventures. They were blessed with two sons, Theo and Grant, and John took great pride in being their father. In 2024, he embraced the role of Papa with the arrival of his granddaughter Kendra Lynn, who brought him special joy and comfort during his illness.

John worked various jobs over the years but was at heart a truck driver, most recently with Bert Matter Trucking. He found great pleasure in jeeping, riding his Harley, camping with his family, and traveling the country with Renee. Pawhuska, Oklahoma became one of their favorite destinations, where they enjoyed the company of dear friends. Those who knew him will remember his generous spirit—always ready to offer a ride on his Harley, share stories about trucks and travel, and spend meaningful time with the people he loved.

John is survived by his wife Renee; sons Theo and his girlfriend Brittney, and Grant and his wife Amanda and their daughter Kendra; brothers Sid (Sandra) and Karl; mother-in-law Cheryl Roorda; brothers-in-law Kent Roorda and Brian (Cari) Roorda; sisters-in-law Kim (Dave) Ryskamp and Jodi (Brian) Vander Pol; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sadie Giliam, and his father-in-law, Paul Roorda.