It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John on Monday, January 3rd, 2022, at the age of 85 in Guelph.
He is survived by his wife, Ria, his three sons, Richard (Lisa), Michael (Gail), Stephen (Cheryl) and was beloved Opa to his four grandchildren Baxter (Amy), Gabriel (Mel), Vanessa and Jennifer.
Always a gentleman, John’s contagious smile, hearty laugh, and generous spirit will be greatly missed.
Born in Groningen, the Netherlands, on November 26, 1936, John was one of ten siblings, predeceased by five brothers and two sisters. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 where he married Ria, the love of his life, in 1959. Together they moved to different places in Ontario and eventually settled in Guelph in 1964 where they established Guelph Business Machines.
John gave back to his community as a proud and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Guelph, was a founding member of the Holland-Canada Club, and a president of the Sertoma Club.
A private family service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 10:30 am. Guests may attend remotely via Zoom by clicking the link on the funeral home website. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. Burial to follow at 11:30 am at Woodlawn Memorial Park, all are welcome to attend the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Rotary Foundation or the Guelph General Hospital Foundation.
A tree will be planted in memory of John Ritsema in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.