Died peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, after a battle with cancer. Loved and supported by his wife, Jannie (Jane) Wiersma nee ter Steege, to whom he was married for 55 years. Caring father to Paul Wiersma (Daphne), Philip Wiersma (Carrey) and Joanna Wiersma (Darryl) and proud Pake to Eve, James, Kay, Kaitlyn and Matthew Wiersma. Brother to Sylvia. Predeceased by: his parents, Willem and Ebeltje; and his brothers, Elco (Ann) and William ‘Bill’ (Magda). Ever the hard-working and dutiful provider, John was most in his element while painting, constructing ‘Popular Mechanics’ perpetual motion machines, helping his kids with their math homework and maneuvering his 18-wheeler through impossibly tight corners. John explored his musical talents by picking up the accordion and organ, and contributing his second tenor voice to the Ambassador’s male chorus for many years. Ever the pragmatist, there was little he couldn’t fix with a vice grip, hammer and a spike. As a devoted servant of the church, John faithfully served as deacon, ministered to long-term care residents and is fondly remembered as ‘Big John’ by the Friendship Group. John’s family will receive visitors on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 7 pm – 9 pm at First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, 181 Charlton Avenue West, Hamilton, ON. A funeral service will be held (and live-streamed) on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 am at First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, 181 Charlton Avenue West, Hamilton, ON, followed by refreshments and a family interment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Cancer Assistance Program.
From a distance relative in Melbourne, Australia, hearing the news of John’s passing has saddened me. John’s father was my father’s uncle (Pieter Westra son of Wijke Wiersma). My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time and I will connect to the livestream service, living this part of your journey from afar. R.I.P. John Wiersma 🙏💐😔
During our visits to Canada and our stay with Bill and Magda we met Jan and his family,
It is always nice to speak with a first cousin you have never met after so many years
We spoke about his live and admired his drawings.
Of course we spoke about his migration from Friesland ( Veenwouden) to Canada.
John was a friendly man.
Our condolences for Jane and children.
Ida Wiersma (sister of Didy)
Dear Jane and family: What wonderful memories of you and John living across from Westdale Reformed Church on Paradise Rd North. Through you being the custodian of the church, we would meet John occasionally as well, especially when we forgot our keys to the church and needed your set to get in. What a blessing you two were to us. May the God of all comfort, comfort you today with the promises found in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. We love you!
Klaas and Anne Detmar