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JEFFREY JOSEPH DYKSTRA
Jeffrey Joseph Dykstra was born to Siebe and Johanna Dykstra (nee Douma) on June 2, 1960. Growing up on a farm in Stony Mountain, Manitoba, and the second-youngest of ten children, Jeff was happiest outside fixing things and helping them grow. Jeff was adored by his parents, his eight sisters Sophie (John Vanderhooft [d. 1986], Alan Poole [d. 1998]), Jeannie (Ben Waskul [d. 2008]), Marie (Jim Wasson [d. 2000]), Hilda (Harry Fernhout), Linda (Bill Tuninga), Joanne, Grace (Ron Bosma), Lillian (Clarence Vandenham), and his brother Bodie (Heather).
Jeff began his working career in 1976 with Cargill Animal Nutrition in St. Boniface, Manitoba, and retired in 2017, as part-owner and Senior Vice President of Operations of Hi-Pro Feeds. His career took him across the globe, with significant tenures in Vietnam, Malaysia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. At the heart of Jeff's professional ethos was his practical, common-sense approach to problem solving. He had a flair for devising creative solutions that often transcended traditional methods. His dedication to collaborating with others was a testament to his team-oriented leadership style and his boundless energy and work ethic, which were contagious and inspired those around him to strive for excellence.
In 1980, Jeff set his romantic heart on Pam – Pammy – Schippers, who he married later that year. He dedicated his life to loving her and later their daughter Katelyn, who arrived in 1985, and then Katelyn's partner Jeffery Dykerman, who joined the family in 2005. Becoming a Pake (grandfather) in 2006 to Ronin Jeffery Siebe Dykerman and in 2012 to Strider Joseph MacKinnon Dykerman, was the greatest pleasure of his life.
Maya Angelou's famous advice that "people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" became a guiding principle for how Jeff lived his life. He was, therefore, an example for many of how to live life well and in the service of others. He was especially influential on his large family of 41 nieces and nephews, 104 great-nieces and nephews, and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews, of whom he was tremendously proud.
In his work and family life, Jeff was a revered coach and mentor. He affected the lives of countless individuals around the world, imparting wisdom and guidance to everyone who had the pleasure to sit and talk with him. After retirement, Jeff took his love for coaching and of sport to Ronin and Strider's hockey teams, and to Crossfit, where his passion for fitness brought him much enjoyment and opportunity to build another community of friends and teammates.
Jeff passed away suddenly on November 9th, 2023. There are no words to express the depth of grief over the loss of him. We will forever miss his storytelling, his wisdom, his laughter, and the quiet way he made each of us feel special and cared for.
A gathering will be held to honour Jeff's life at St. Boniface Golf Club Atrium on November 29th, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Recreational Opportunities for Children (ROC) Eastman (https://www.roceastman.ca).
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2023, Nov 18, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Dear Pam Sincere condolences on the sudden death of your husband Jeff. We were so sorry to learn the very sad news. You and all your family are very much in our thoughts and prayers. We trust you are comforted by the wonderful memories you must have. You were always such a happy couple. Warmest regards Rita and Don - Posted by: Rita (Friend) on: Nov 20, 2023
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Our condolences to you Pam, Katelyn and your families. Seems like yesterday I went with Jeff to get your prednizone at the hospital where Jeff and I convinced the nurses in the nic ward that we we brothers and I was from out of town. We said "look at us! Look at our noses! " That convinced them and I got to go in with Jeff and see Katelyn. If I remember right, she was 4 pounds 7 ounzes and looked huge among all the premies. I saw twin boys there that were 15 and 16 onzes! I will never forget them. Of course there were the hockey games with and against Jeff and the Warriors and a few parties....:) Then there was the infamous "CHAAARP" word he came up with and the pin on buttons he had made for people to wear! What a hoot! You Pam, and Katelyn were our first visitors in Hudson Bay when we first lived there at the cabin on Ruby lake. As you were visiting there, sitting on the couch in front of the livingroom window, a bear came up on the deck and stuck his snout against the window right by you guys! Good times.....We were fortunate over the years to hook up with you a few times in Winnipeg when you lived there at times. We are saddened deeply with Jeff's sudden passing and want to let you know we have been and will be praying for you all, that God will give you strength and peace during this most difficult time. I just don't know what else to say. We would really like to give you a hug and share our tears with yours. So sorry.........with love, Gary and Trix - Posted by: Gary and Trixie (Friends) on: Nov 20, 2023
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My deepest condolences for the Dykstra family. Ray Bissonnette - Posted by: Ray Bissonnette (Crossfit) on: Nov 19, 2023
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Jeff had a way of making everyone feel loved and special in their own way. I am so blessed to have known him. I fondly remember his fascinating stories he would share and his contagious laugh that would make anyone in a room smile. Most of all I will remember the way he loved. The love that he and Pam shared was something I will forever admire. The love that Jeff gave to his friends was infectious. He loved his family and friends with his whole heart, I will be forever grateful for that. All of my love goes out to his whole family during this extremely challenging and difficult time. - Posted by: Hanna Janssens (Friend ) on: Nov 19, 2023
