John H. Hekman

John Hekman passed away peacefully on February 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Devoted husband of 51 years to Betsy, beloved father to John Paul, Mark (Shelley), Rene (Stephanie), David (Sarah) and Anita (Kirk). Adoring Opa to Julia, Brianna, Anna, Lydia, Brooklyn, Josiah, Nathan, Zachary, Eva, Charlotte, Hailey, Benjamin and Riley. John was also a cherished brother and uncle to family in both Canada and The Netherlands.

John had a profound love for God and was not shy to share this love. Near the end of his life, Bible passages about the tree of life in Genesis and then again in Revelation were on his mind. God’s gift of the tree of life was taken for granted and because of this Adam and Eve were told to leave the garden and work the land. In Revelation it talks about the tree of life again being given to the people for healing as they enter God’s House. The beginning and the end. John knew that in the end, he would be given fruit from the tree of life and would spend the rest of his days at peace with God.

John knew how to make everyone laugh, from his corny jokes to reminiscing about days past, he always wore a smile on his face. He would help in any situation and was known for making things work by just putting a little of this and a little of that together and voila, a solution!

John worked many jobs from farming in Holland to landscaping and working for Mack Trucks in Canada. He spent the majority of his career working as a shipper and receiver at KG Packaging and in his later years returned to landscaping.

John had a passion for gardening and flowers as was seen with the beautiful gardens at his home both in Willowdale and Newmarket. His kids also remember going for hikes when they were young and often having to stop at every flower along the trails.

John’s love for his wife, Betsy and the rest of his family was profound. He adored all his children and was very proud of them and felt incredibly blessed by all his 13 grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre for all they did and taking great care of John for the short time he was there.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Lung Health Foundation OR Willowdale Christian School, 60 Hilda Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M2M 1V5 OR Toronto District Christian High School, 377 Woodbridge Avenue, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 2V7

A Live Stream Funeral Service for John will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. And the livestream burial service will follow at 12 noon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Hekman family.