April 7, 1939 - February 9, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Dykstra in his 83rd year. He died peacefully in his sleep at Grove Park Home in Barrie, Ontario and is now safely in the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed by Theresa, his loving wife of 57 years, and his four children Cyndi (Fred) Van Arragon, Tricia (Jeff) Spong, Dave Dykstra, Tim (Jenny) Dykstra. Many fond memories will be cherished by his 13 grandchildren, Joshua (Michelle), Sierra, Colson (Lindsay), Benjamin (Micah), April, Hannah, Matthew, Jason, Caleb, Kyra, Aron, Noa-Joy, and Reuben. Don also became a great grandfather to little Maverick just two months ago.
Don is survived by his siblings Bill (late wife Ada) Dykstra, Ralph (Hilda) Dykstra, Andrew (late wife Margaret) Dykstra, Corrie (Andy) Van Dyke. Don was born in Metslawier, the Netherlands to Gerke and Heltjie (Wagenaar) Dykstra and immigrated to Canada at age 11. He grew up in Barrie and started his electrical business Dykstra Brothers Electric at a young age working together with his brothers Bill and Ralph for over 40 years. He met Theresa while doing electrical work at Royal Victoria Hospital and together they raised their family of four in Barrie where Don was very active in his local community. He loved baseball and was known in his younger years as an “unhittable” fastball pitcher, winning numerous city championships. He volunteered in his church and at Timothy Christian School. Don loved golfing with his buddies, and enjoyed curling as well, participating in the Quebec International Bonspiel for over 25 years.
Don and Theresa enjoyed numerous trips to Holland and Germany with their grandchildren as well as many other memorable vacations. Together they enjoyed many great friendships in their church and local community. Although the last two years have been difficult since Don’s brain injury, we are grateful for God’s provision of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. Don will be missed, but we will cherish the many great memories we will carry forward with us. Special thanks are given to the staff in the Aspen wing at Grove Park Home who cared so well for Don over the last two years.
Visitation will take place on Monday February 28 at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 10:00 am, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Timothy Christian School, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Grove Park Home. Words of comfort can be forwarded to the family by visiting www.arbormemorial.ca/adams