Arnoldus Andreas Groenestege passed away surrounded by his loving family at Victoria Hospital, London, on Friday, August 12, Arnold was born in Blankenham, Netherlands, on January 16, 1929, son of the late Titus and Maria (Gras) Groenestege.
Arnold was the devoted husband of Diny, with whom he shared 65 beautiful and prolific years. Diny predeceased Arnold in October, 2019. Arnold was very proud of the family he and Diny created. He will be dearly missed by Aleida & Andy Stinnissen, Sarah, Mike (Ashley), Eric (Melissa), and Amanda Dubrick (Scott); Bert & Sylvia, Julia (Russell), Kristy Keller (Adam), Dan (Stacy), Kyle (Sarah), and Laura (Brian); Fred & Shelley, Shawn, Doug (Jessica), Becky (Tom), Stacey, and Evan (Victoria); Andy & Trudy, Stephanie, Deanna (Tom), and Alexa (Joe); Gerald & Carol, Tina (Kevin), Dana (Eric), Jake (Catrina), and April Ridley (Ryan); Mary & Steve Lyoness, Geoff (Morgan), Tyler, and Devin Nutt (Daniek); Diana & Brad Boersen, Josh (Erin), Melissa Thompson (Reid), Zach (Haley), and Alieda (Ben); Ron, Jeannette, Taylor, Logan (Ally), Dominic, and Mikayla; Steve & Nancy, Jesse, Cortney, and Aydrie. Also survived in Canada by 25 great-grandchildren (with 3 more soon to arrive), his siblings John Groenestege, Joan Diepman, as well as many nieces and nephews; in Holland by siblings Rie, Lies, Nico and Trees. He has many relatives residing in Europe and elsewhere. Arnold was predeceased by one grandson, Nicholas, in infancy, as well as his siblings Andries, Annie, Eise, Apollonia and several in-laws, including Jean Groenestege and Henry Diepman in Canada.
In 1952, Arnold and his cousin, Andre Gras, went to Canada to explore opportunities there. During this time, Arnold and Dinyexchanged letters. In 1954, he went back to Holland to marry Diny. They returned to Canada and farmed together in Ellice Township until 1992, when they moved to the new home they built and lived in until their passing. After retirement, Arnold continued to maintain an active lifestyle right to the end. He enjoyed many hobbies, including helping on the farm, traveling, bowling, curling, biking, gardening, building and volunteering. He was the oldest cyclist on his final MS bike tour in 2017. Arnold also enjoyed playing cards weekly with family and friends. Arnold was a dedicated parishioner, member of the Knights of Columbus, and the building committee of St. Patrick’s Church, Kinkora. An avid reader, Arnold was a life-long learner who quickly adopted new technology, especially computers. He used photographs to connect personally with his family, maintaining a lifelong interest in everyone’s achievements and activities. Arnold was grateful for the life he lived and a great example for us all. He will be missed.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, 4593 Road 145, Perth East (Kinkora) on Wednesday, August 17, at 10 am. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. There will be a memorial reception in the Kinkora hall afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Kinkora, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society through the funeral home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
