October 17th, 1929 - September 16th, 2021
Bill (Willem) Terpstra 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 will be held on Sunday September 19 from 7:00 until 9:00 PM, and is open to the public.
A graveside service will take place on Monday September 20 at 1:00 PM at the Eramosa Union Cemetery (Johnson’s Cemetery), located at 8149 Sideroad 20, Guelph/Eramosa Township. Prior to the graveside service, friends are welcome to attend at the cemetery between 12:00 and 1:00 PM to pay their respects to the family during a casual gathering. Feel free to bring a lawn chair.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank.
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.”
