Sybrand Dirk Feenstra

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sy Feenstra on September 30, 2024, at the age of 77. Sy had suffered from health issues in the last year and quietly passed in his sleep at home.

Sy, or Pop as his children and grandchildren called him, was an incredible individual who brought joy and a little bit of silliness to anyone he was with. His interactions with others were genuine and he had a special way of making them know he was present and engaged in their conversation.

He loved playing with the kids; I’m sure all the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who grew up around him all had their noses stolen countless times or laughed as he writhed in pain from the great power of the fiver given to him. Noogies, given and received, were also a favourite of his. He was also there to help if anyone needed it although he was pretty stubborn and wouldn’t ask for help himself.

Sy worked for BC Tel/Telus for 38 ½ years before retiring and then he came back and did an additional 7 years of contract work for Telus. While working for Telus Sy took every opportunity to travel for work. He worked throughout BC and the West Coast including time in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Work also took him to Alberta and all the Maritime provinces. He particularly enjoyed his time in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Everywhere he traveled he was eager to explore and take in the surroundings.

Sy loved to drive! He drove a lot while working for Telus and then during his free time he would often suggest to Anne or the family that they go for a drive. It didn’t really matter where since the destination was not as important as the journey. As a family, we will always remember the road trips including driving across the country a few times.

Sy was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1953. After arriving in Halifax at Pier 21 the family continued to Winnipeg where Sy grew up. Sy always had many stories to share with his children and grandchildren about his time in “Winterpeg”.

Sy eventually moved to Vancouver in 1969 where he met his future wife, Anne Cameron. Their romance was put on hold when his eldest brother Pieter passed away and Sy returned home to Winnipeg. About a year later Sy returned to the West Coast permanently with his parents and brothers. Sy and Anne were married in 1971, and he would gain a whole new family of in-laws, including four sisters, in Pender Harbour. Sy loved spending time in Pender Harbour and being a part of the extended Cameron clan.

Sy is predeceased by his son Richard; his parents Fred and Annie and brothers Pieter (Marlene) and Jake.

He is survived by: his wife Anne; son Robert (daughter-in-law Georgie Walker); daughter Susanne (son-in-law Shaun Freeman); grandchildren Kieran and Kai Feenstra, Henrik, Pieter and Jeremy Freeman; brothers Gary (Shelly), Gus (Ann), sister-in-law Carolyn, niece Sylvia and nephew Donald. He will be missed by many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 23, 2024, from 2-5 pm in the PoCo Room at the Poco Inn and Suites, 1545 Lougheed Highway.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.