- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JEFFERY JOSEPH DYKSTRA
Born: Jun 02, 1960
Date of Passing: Nov 09, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJEFFERY JOSEPH DYKSTRA
Jeffrey Joseph Dykstra was born to Siebe and Johanna Dykstra (nee Douma) on June 2, 1960. Growing up on a farm in Stony Mountain, Manitoba, and the second-youngest of ten children, Jeff was happiest outside fixing things and helping them grow. Jeff was adored by his parents, his eight sisters Sophie (John Vanderhooft [d. 1986], Alan Poole [d. 1998]), Jeannie (Ben Waskul [d. 2008]), Marie (Jim Wasson [d. 2000]), Hilda (Harry Fernhout), Linda (Bill Tuninga), Joanne, Grace (Ron Bosma), Lillian (Clarence Vandenham), and his brother Bodie (Heather).
Jeff began his working career in 1976 with Cargill Animal Nutrition in St. Boniface, Manitoba, and retired in 2017, as part-owner and Senior Vice President of Operations of Hi-Pro Feeds. His career took him across the globe, with significant tenures in Vietnam, Malaysia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. At the heart of Jeff’s professional ethos was his practical, common-sense approach to problem solving. He had a flair for devising creative solutions that often transcended traditional methods. His dedication to collaborating with others was a testament to his team-oriented leadership style and his boundless energy and work ethic, which were contagious and inspired those around him to strive for excellence.
In 1980, Jeff set his romantic heart on Pam – Pammy – Schippers, who he married later that year. He dedicated his life to loving her and later their daughter Katelyn, who arrived in 1985, and then Katelyn’s partner Jeffery Dykerman, who joined the family in 2005. Becoming a Pake (grandfather) in 2006 to Ronin Jeffery Siebe Dykerman and in 2012 to Strider Joseph MacKinnon Dykerman, was the greatest pleasure of his life.
Maya Angelou’s famous advice that “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” became a guiding principle for how Jeff lived his life. He was, therefore, an example for many of how to live life well and in the service of others. He was especially influential on his large family of 41 nieces and nephews, 104 great-nieces and nephews, and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews, of whom he was tremendously proud.
In his work and family life, Jeff was a revered coach and mentor. He affected the lives of countless individuals around the world, imparting wisdom and guidance to everyone who had the pleasure to sit and talk with him. After retirement, Jeff took his love for coaching and of sport to Ronin and Strider’s hockey teams, and to Crossfit, where his passion for fitness brought him much enjoyment and opportunity to build another community of friends and teammates.
Jeff passed away suddenly on November 9th, 2023. There are no words to express the depth of grief over the loss of him. We will forever miss his storytelling, his wisdom, his laughter, and the quiet way he made each of us feel special and cared for.
As published in The Carillon on Nov 23, 2023, Nov 23, 2023