This document is a book about the author's Opa (Dutch for grandfather), Johannes Jacobus Kolk. It summarizes that Opa left his family in Alkmaar, Netherlands at age 35 to move to Invercargill, New Zealand with his wife Metje Emmy Kolk, who was only 19, so they could start a new life and learn a new language. It also provides details about Opa's parents and birthdate, his service in the Dutch army during the Indonesian war from age 18, receiving a bronze cross for bravery, and having 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren before his death in 2012.

1. A book by Cadie
Johannes Jacobus Kolk.
1927-2012
1981

2. Opa was 35 when he left his family in
Alkmaar / North Holland to come here to
NZ Invercargill with his wife my Oma
Metje Emmy Kolk who was only 19.
They
came to
NZ to
start a
new life
and
learn a
new
languag
e.
Where Opa lived.
Opa was Dutch and that is why I call him Opa
instead of Granddad and why I call my
Grandma Oma as they are Dutch names. My
Opa's favourite words are By-hokie and I'm not
even sure if that's Dutch he also says Metje
which is my middle name.

3. Opa's Mum's name is
Petra-nelly Kolk and his
Dad's name Arie Kolk.
Opa was born on the 11th
of April 1927 and lived
until 3rd of April 2012 he
died 8 days before his
birthday and 10 before
mine. (What a great
birthday present.) NOT!
IL
A
F

4. Opa was in the Dutch
army and fought in the
Indonesian war when he
was only 18 but unlike
most soldiers he didn't
talk much about his
experience in the war. I
know that it was hard
and he survived with no
injuries.

5. Opa was awarded
a bronze cross
for bravery and
was always very
humble.

6. Opa had 3 children, 2 boys and 1 girl
10 grandchildren and
8 great grandchildren.
A much loved Dad, Husband,
Grandad, Great grandad and a much
loved Opa.
Grandchildren

7. Images
and
info.

8. Opa loved
nature and
animals he was
a Jehovah's
Witness.

9. s

10. T
R
B
YO
S

11. THANKS FOR
READING MY
BOOK I HOPE
OU LEARNED
SOMETHING
ABOUT MY
OPA