DIJKSTRA, Tjomme “Tom” Thursday morning, February 23, 2017, Tom passed away quietly and peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Tom was born in Friesland, The Netherlands, the youngest of five children, with an adventurous spirit. In his early twenties, he spent a year working on a dairy farm in Ontario. During this time, he met his future wife, Jantine van Steenbergen. In December 1986, he returned to Ontario as a landed immigrant. The following October, Tom and Jantine got married and, shortly after, settled in Fergus. Within eleven years they had added two daughters and four sons to their family. During most of this time, Tom worked steadily as a truck driver for Maple Lodge Farms until the fall of 2013 when he was diagnosed with cancer. While living with cancer, Tom enjoyed a full life travelling, being involved with the church, volunteering, and spending time with his family. Tom will be missed by his wife Jantine, and his children Helen and her husband Nathaniel Merrick, Katharine and her husband William Miner, Jordan, Ryan, Simon and his girlfriend Laura Clark, and Richard, as well as his two grandchildren Janita Rose Miner and Isaac Tjomme Merrick. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother and sisters and their spouses and children. Family and friends visited at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 325 George St. West, Fergus on Sunday, February 26 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. A Funeral Service was held at the church on Monday, February 27 2017 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – Hearts for Haiti. Envelopes will be available at the church. Arrangements entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, Fergus. www.grahamgiddyfh.com 519-843-3100
“We find comfort in the assurance that Tom is spending the rest of eternity with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”