passed away peacefully on September 16th in his 92nd year. Beloved husband to Grace (Geertje, nee Zondervan) for almost 61 years. Loving father to Diane Weeks (Doug), Bruce (Tina Maughan), Renita Leeds (Paul), Harry. Grandpa to Joshua Weeks (Michelle). Predeceased by parents Bauke Terpstra and Riemke Terpstra (Elsinga), brothers Wieger and Gerrit, sister Margaret Vanderploeg. Dad and twin brother Gerrit were born on October 17, 1929 in Friesland, the Netherlands. In 1952, Dad along with cousin and friend to the end, Adam Joostema, immigrated to Canada on the SS Ryndam. He picked up any job he could find and it was at a mushroom plant in Milton where he met his future brother-in-law, Wytze (Ted) Zondervan. On a trip back to Holland in early 1960, Dad delivered a cassette tape recording from Wytze to the Zondervan family home. It was there at the door that Dad met Mom, who just happened to be home due to illness. That same night, mom’s younger sister Riemke said, “You’re going to see a lot more of him!” How right she was! After a whirlwind romance, Mom moved to Canada and married Dad in October of 1960. Dad was always a faithful provider for his family. With the assistance of his good friend, Gerry Hieter, Dad was able to find employment with the Government of Canada at the Pork Research Station in New Hamburg. He retired as a federal meat inspector in 1994. Together, Dad and Gerry also volunteered for many years at the Guelph Correctional Centre, providing spiritual support and encouragement to many of the inmates. He had a strong faith in God and was not shy to share his personal salvation story with others. Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s many years ago and it progressed slowly. He was a fighter to the end and we were blessed to have had so many years with him. A very special thank you to Harry and to the many PSW’s who provided amazing in-home care for many years. Dad spent his final two weeks at Guelph General Hospital, due to his declining health. We are appreciative and grateful to the emergency room Doctors that attended to Dad, and to the fine nurses on 4 east for the meticulous care he received in his final hours. Visitation was held on Sunday September 19 from 7:00 until 9:00pm. A graveside service took place on Monday September 20 at 1:00pm at the Eramosa Union Cemetery (Johnson’s Cemetery), located at 8149 Sideroad 20, Guelph/Eramosa Township. Prior to the graveside service, friends attended the cemetery to pay their respects to the family during a casual gathering. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank.
www.grahamgiddyfh.com
Scripture Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7,8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”