Passed away peacefully on January 2nd, 2024 at the age of 92 years.
The cancer may have taken his body but his keen mind, his welcoming smile and unquenchable spirit lives on forever in our hearts. He is survived by his devoted wife, Klara, and their four sons: Dick (Joann), Charlie (Belinda), Ray, and Dave (Lynn).
John was born in the Netherlands in 1931 and was the oldest son of Durke and Murkje Boorsma along with five brothers and two sisters. The family emigrated to Stirling Alberta Canada around 1950 and eventually settled on a farm near Dunville Ontario. In 1955, John married Klara (DeJong) and together they embarked on a journey of building a family on a farm just outside of Guelph. After a few years they bought their first home in Guelph.
In his early years John worked in a brickyard and used his carpentry and brick laying skills to supplement their income. Notably, he even crafted a greenhouse to sell flowers at the local market. In 1960, John became a correctional officer at the Guelph Reformatory, later renamed Guelph Correctional Centre. Throughout his dedicated service, he assumed various roles, including Unit Supervisor, Staff Trainer, and Shift Supervisor, forging enduring friendships along the way. In his leisure, John enjoyed coffee and golfing with friends on his days off.
John was active in his church and managed the upkeep of the building and grounds for several years. He sang in the choir and attended faithfully. The family expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering support extended by Riverside Community Reformed Church. In retirement he continued to enjoy outings with friends, ice fishing, visiting family, and travelling to Florida in the winter. John is survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
The family is very appreciative of the care he received from the staff at the General Hospital, the community Palliative care team and St. Joseph’s Palliative Care Unit.
A visitation will be held at the Riverside Community Reformed Church, 79 Speedvale Ave E, Guelph on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
Memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of John Boorsma in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.