JAN (JOHN) DYKSTRA
But now, thus says the Lord... “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!”
- Isaiah 43:1
Mr. Jan (John) Tjeerd Dykstra, age 88 years, was taken peacefully to his Heavenly home in the early hours of Thursday, March 17, 2016, with his family by his side at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
Our Dad was born in Idskenhuizen, The Netherlands on May 16, 1927. He immigrated to Canada in 1950 and worked at various jobs including KBM Construction, the Grain Elevators and Canada Car, until his retirement in 1992.
Dad loved hard work. He took pride in cutting his grass, planting flower and vegetable gardens and shovelling snow. In addition to his full time job, Dad did lawn care and snow removal for many people to support his wife and children.
Dad is survived by his wife, Pietje (Patricia) Gysen, whom he married August 31, 1952. They shared 63½ years together. They settled in Vickers Heights and raised their family of 7.
Also surviving are their children and spouses: Ophelia & Jim Agombar, Len & Annette (St. Catharines, ON), Theresa and Fritz Jaspers, Alice & Jim Howe (Woodstock, ON), Nancy & Jerry Veurink and Michael & Lorrie. He was the proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Numerous relatives also survive. John is also remembered by long time, faithful friends, John Vandenbroeke and Piet Joffers.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Lammert & Tryntje, his 8 brothers and sisters in Holland, of whom he was the last surviving sibling, and his son Leonard Michael in infancy.
Funeral Services for the late Mr. Jan (John) Dykstra will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 2:00pm in the First Christian Reformed Church, 9 Cooper Road, where Dad was a life long member, with Pastor Joe Hamilton officiating. A private family interment will proceed the service in Stanley Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday evening from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
If you so desire, donations made in memory of John to the Thunder Bay Christian School or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
