Reitsma, (Sybren) Sid -
May 4, 1947 – June 9, 2022
It is with profound sadness that the family of Sid Reitsma would like to announce his peaceful passing on June 9th, 2022, at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus. Sid battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for almost two years with strength, bravery and a pragmatic attitude. He also maintained his sense of humour throughout which helped to provide some much needed levity for the family through his difficult journey.
Sid was a wonderful husband and best friend to Eva (Finoro) for almost 33 years. He was the loving father of Lesley Reitsma and her husband Steve Gendron of Chatham. He was proud Grampa to his treasured grandchildren Noah, Natalie and Luke Gendron all who brought him great joy. He is predeceased by his father Sybren Reitsma (1974) and Janna Reitsma (Bakker) (2011). Sadly, he was also predeceased by his devoted and beloved son David Reitsma (1999). Sid is survived by his older brothers John (Sylvia) and Jack (Dorothy) as well as his brothers-in-law Frank Finoro (Yolonda) and Nick Finoro (Alice). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.
Sid was born in Leeuwarden, Friesland in the Netherlands. The family immigrated to Canada on the SS Sibajak the year Sid turned five. Once the family landed at Pier 21 in Halifax, they moved to Wingham, Ontario before moving to Hamilton and then finally settling in Guelph. Sid was employed by Union Gas for over 37 years, where he enjoyed the respect and friendship of co-workers accumulated over the years. He was an avid reader with a book always on the go. He enjoyed watching the news, with fav oured newscasters and politicians (along with some not so favoured ones). Throughout his life, he also enjoyed travelling. Earlier travel adventures included taking his motorcycle for a 6 month tour of Europe in his early 20’s, with passage funded by working on freighters both ways. He and Eva took many trips throughout life, primarily enjoying cruises around the Americas and Europe. During retirement Sid and Eva also bought a cottage on Lake Huron where they spent many peaceful years. There he derived great personal satisfaction with his many solitary projects such as rebuilding the kitchen, building and wiring a bunky of his own design for the grandkids, and ‘lifting’ and leveling the cottage on the side of the escarpment.
The family is very grateful to the oncology departments at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Guelph General Hospital and Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus for their care and compassion. Our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Tam, Dr. Rossart and Dr. Lund as well as the kind nurses at all three hospitals. Thank you so much to our family, friends and neighbours who have supported us in many ways, especially during the last two difficult years. Your prayers, visits, phone calls, emails, cards, rides, food and so much more are greatly appreciated. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Resting at Dublin Chapel, Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12th . Private entombment at Marymount Cemetery, Highway #6, Guelph. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Kidney Foundation of Canada in honour of David.
Rest in peace, Sid. Your suffering is over.
“Ascension"
And if I go,
While you’re still here…
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.
Colleen Hitchcock