THE funeral of a bowls enthusiast was held on Monday*jul 2*.
Born and raised in Holland, Phil Verbaan was known to his friends as Dutchie, and was a herring fisherman in Scheveningen before joining the Dutch Navy.
It was while he was posted on duty in Clacton that he met his future wife, Dot, with whom he had a daughter, Anne, and two sons, Maarten and Peter.
After moving to England permenantly, Mr Verbaan had a number of jobs, including a position as a crane driver, helping to build Essex University and Liverpool Cathedral.
His last job was as cafe manager on the ferries between Harwich and the Hook of Holland.
In retirement, he enjoyed bowls as a member of the Tendring Bowls Club, and took delight in playing his sport around Essex.
Mr Verbaan, who was 87 when he died, leaves his children, grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
His funeral will be held at 11.45am at Weeley Crematorium on Monday.
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