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Late author's book available at Farmside Gardens

| 09 Jan 2017 | 03:23
    PHOTOS BY JANET REDYKE Charles M. Kuperus' sister Anne Amels (left) and his wife Marge Kuperus lovingly remember Charles outside the Farmside Garden Center in Sussex.
    PHOTOS BY JANET REDYKE Charles M. Kuperus' sister Anne Amels (left) and his wife Marge Kuperus lovingly remember Charles outside the Farmside Garden Center in Sussex.
    The late Charles Kuperus and a copy of his book Charlie and His Farm Friends are on display at both the supply and garden shops.
    The late Charles Kuperus and a copy of his book Charlie and His Farm Friends are on display at both the supply and garden shops.

SUSSEX BOROUGH — The late Charles Kuperus of Sussex was many things to many people. Loving husband, devoted father, dedicated farmer and gardener, Sussex Borough Councilman, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture, loyal friend, as well as, a firm believer of his faith. Kuperus was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in March 2015 and after an almost 10-month courageous battle, succumbed to his illness very close to the 2016 New Year.
During his physical and emotional struggle, Kuperus decided he needed to leave a legacy behind for his children and especially his grandchildren, some of which he would never actually meet. Even though undergoing lengthy treatments and therapies, he found the time and strength to write weekly Sunday morning testimonials, letters and devotionals to his children. They span the length of Kuperus’ illness from the beginning and are dated March 17, 2015, to Dec. 13, 2015, and speak to his children, relatives and friends about faith, love of neighbor, forgiveness and other admirable aspects of a caring life.
“Gracious and merciful Lord, I have news that will change my life. I am reminded of how little I control my life, especially my health. I pray for wisdom and guidance in the coming days. And for you, Lord never leave my side.” Charles M. Kuperus
Kuperus also found it an utmost necessity to leave a legacy and speak posthumously to his present and future grandchildren. He accomplished this by self-publishing a children’s book. The first-time author wrote Charlie and His Farm Friends, a simple, beautiful story about the true value of friendship. The book’s dedication honors Kuperus’ love of his wife and family and his hope that his grandchildren will grow in God’s grace and love and further their faithfulness to the next generation.
“Because of his inspiration, Charles will live on through his testimonials and book,” said his sister Anne Amels.
“My husband was honored at the final Springfest of 2016, it was a fitting tribute to him,” commented Kuperus’ wife Marge.
Charlie and His Farm Friends is available at both Farmside Gardens and Farmside Supplies on Loomis Ave. in Sussex. The series of testimonials, letters and prayers are available by emailing writings.of.charles.m.kuperus@gmail.com