Obituary of John Jan Huizinga

Born January 27, 1938 – May 12, 2023.  John moved with his family to Forest, Ontario, from the Netherland in 1952, at the age of 14. Survived by his best friend and wife, Betty, sons Paul (Jenny) and Mark (Susan), honorary son, Peter Laing, and grandchildren Caitlyn, Jack, and Jacob. 

 

At the age of 17, John left home to work in seismic drilling in the Alberta Oilfields and various odd jobs. He came back to Ontario and met Betty in 1962, and they were married in 1964. John pursued his love of working with his hands and became a welder/fabricator. He loved every minute of his work.  He opened his own shop in Palmerston, Ontario, in 1968, where he also was a volunteer firefighter.

 

In 1975 the family made the adventurous move to the West, settling in Calgary and later in Campbell River. After the kids left the nest, Betty and John moved to Strathmore and opened John’s beloved last shop “Country Air Holdings” which he ran for 10 years.

 

John loved being a welder and was proud of having built a missionary church in Bonavista, working on the Olympic Oval and various other projects.

 

While John wasn’t a big traveller, he enjoyed visiting his family in Vancouver, Texas, and Australia. His family meant the world to him. A trip back to his homeland in 1996 was the highlight of his life, visiting aunts, cousins, and friends.

 

While the last few years after being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis and arthritis were difficult, John always kept his faith and a heart full of gratitude. He was thankful for the many friendships he made over the years, his family, and having lived a full and blessed life.

 

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Strathmore Alliance Church (325 First Ave, Strathmore AB) at 1:00 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made directly to Samaritan’s Purse www.samaritanspurse.ca 

 

To watch a live stream of John’s service, click here.