The Lord in his perfect timing took home to himself, his beloved child, our dear father, Gerrit Jan (John) Blekkenhorst, on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Grace Manor in Brampton, Ontario. Born on September 23, 1930 in Den Ham, Overijssel, Netherlands, he was the fifth of 14 children born to Gerrit Jan Blekkenhorst. His mother, Hendrikje Mina passed away shortly after his birth but he was lovingly raised by his step mother Alberdina Gerridina. He married Jennigje (Jennie) Melenboer on March 20, 1958 and immigrated to Canada three weeks later with her, leaving their family and friends behind.
John and Jenny were married for 63 years, and John was the loving father to John (Rhea) Blekkenhorst, Alice (Timothy) Scheepstra, Diana (Barry) Bonvanie, Ed (Taylore) Blekkenhorst, Jenny (William) Van Caulart and Jasper (Cynthia) Blekkenhorst. He was the cherished Opa to Jenna, Luke, Andrea, Reuben, Hannah, Curtis, Nathan, Rachel, Daniel, Sarah, Joycelin, Levi, Daylen and McKenna, and great grandfather to 17 great grandchildren.
John was a strong, determined man and a hard worker. He was cheerful, kind and a great story teller. While he could be opinionated and a bit mischievous, he had a big heart and cared deeply for his family, as well as his many animals. He will be deeply missed by his family in Canada and by his remaining siblings in the Netherlands, Marinus, Willie, Riek and Barend. He is predeceased by his loving wife Jennie and his siblings Hermanus, Mina, Marta, Hendrika, Egbert, Albert, Altje, Nika and Jannie.
A visitation will be held at Jones Funeral Home on September 6 from 6-8 pm. Celebration of Life will be held at Georgetown Christian Reformed Church on September 7 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Halton Hills Christian School, as John was a devoted supporter of Christian education.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4