JOHANNES (JOHN) IETSE JONGSMA JR.

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JOHANNES (JOHN) IETSE JONGSMA JR. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Great-Uncle John Jongsma Jr. from Surrey, BC, on November 15, 2014. John was born on July 31, 1943, in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, to Katrina Van Oort (from Wamel) and John Jongsma Senior (from Groningen) during the German occupation in the Second World War. His brother Ernie arrived three years later. The family immigrated to Ontario, Canada, in May of 1952 when John was eight. Dad was a proud Canadian and held fast to his belief throughout his life that this country was his true home. Dad spent his teen years in Toronto and graduated from Bathurst Heights High School in 1961. John's first marriage produced two adoring daughters, Tammy - April 26, 1967 and Tina - March 27, 1968. A job promotion with Shell Corporation brought him and his new family to Winnipeg in 1967 where he spent many years and made many friends. John became a successful businessman and was able to buy his own service stations that he operated for many years. He was famous among friends and family for his hospitality, lavish dinners and holiday parties where he served the most exotic and exceptional food and drink. His greatest passion, besides his family, was his Lee River cottage. While in Winnipeg, he spent all of his available time with the family at this place and created cherished memories for everyone during those times. His passion was BBQing for everyone and taking pride in making sure each person's food was cooked to perfection. Dad could be seen riding the lawnmower every weekend and, of course, teaching all of his children and nieces how to waterski. He spent hours on the river making sure everyone had a turn skiing. In the late 1990s he began to migrate to jobs out west and spent the last fifteen years of his life in Surrey, BC, working as the Automotive Service Manager for Sears and Costco. Whenever possible, he came back to Winnipeg to spend time with his children and grandchildren (or joined them on their travels in South Africa and Israel). Each of them shared in his love of the outdoors, cottage life and fishing. He ensured that they all have cherished memories of their time with him. He is survived by his adoring daughters Tammy Sather (Greg) and Tina Greenfield (Haskel) and grandchildren Brett, Rachael (Cliff Linnitt), Channah, Noah and Boaz, and great-grandson Jesse Linnitt; his loving brother (and best friend) Ernie Jongsma, sister-in-law Penny, nieces Connie Smith (Doug) and Wendy Kandt (Terry), great-nephews and great-nieces Andrew Jongsma-Collins (Alicia), Daniel Jongsma-Burke and Spencer Kandt, Kristen Kandt, great-great-nephews and great-great-niece: Jayden Gilmore, Keagan and Sephira Collins. John will also be remembered fondly by many, many cousins in Tiel and Wamel in the Netherlands. All will miss him terribly. Dad, we're so glad we had this time together, Just to have a laugh or sing a song, Seems we just got started and before you know it, Comes the time we have to say, So long. Forever Loved, Forever missed, until we meet again Dad. Your loving daughters Tammy and Tina. Friends and family please come to celebrate with us, John's life at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. The memorial service will be on Sunday, December 7 at 12:00 p.m. (noon).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2014