JAN (JOHN) ETTEMA
1922 – 2022
Born August 20, 1922 in Groningen, Amsterdam, and married Anna Marie Tiggelman in 1952.
Jan and his wife became Roman Catholic in 1955, and immigrated to Canada in 1957. They adopted 3 children.
Jan and Anna Marie were very actively involved in the church, and joined the third order of St. Francis.
Jan worked as a realtor in Canada, starting up two of his own businesses. He was a very hard worker, and if he wasn’t selling houses, he always had home improvement projects, both indoors and out.
Jan passed away very peacefully, at age 99, at Lady Minto Hospital.
Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Lady Minto, not only for the support and caring given to my dad, but to me. I was always getting updates about my dad’s health from the doctors and nurses.
Special thanks to Dr. Verheul for taking on my dad’s care.
Jan spent a very happy 14 months at Heritage Place, and would play his mouth harmonica every night after dinner in the dining room.
Huge thanks to Sandi Muller, director of care at Heritage Place, and all the staff who worked with my dad.
Many thanks to Father Scott, who regularly saw my dad, and who gave me an endless amount of support.
Also huge thanks to Pauline Hyde, for taking on the organizing of the mass, and to all the parishioners of St. Xavier Church who shared their love and support.
A beautiful mass was held at St. Xavier Church in Mill Bay, where Jan’s wife is also buried.
Finally, a never ending thanks to my partner, Rudy Stam, and to all my friends and family. Jan is survived by his children Dominic, Francis, and Josina.
Jan’s sparkling blue eyes and engaging smile will be missed by so many hearts that he touched.
We love you Papa!