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BORN

1939

DIED

2014

Pieter Marsman Obituary

Pieter went to meet his Lord early in the morning of February 19, 2014 at the age on 74. He was much loved by his family, friends and church community for the gentle, caring and erudite person he was. Predeceased by his father, Jan Marsman, and his mother, Geesje Marsman (nee Vanderkamp), he is survived by his sisters Wilma Willems and Trees Strijker and by his wife of 47 years, Heather (nee Davidson); his daughter, Talitha Castillo, and husband Billy with children Kaia and Mateo; son, Uriah Marsman, and partner Sam with children Gracie, Liam, Taylor, Rowan, and Emerald; daughter, Dorothy Chien, and husband Andy with children Simon and Ruby; son, Ian Marsman and wife Wendy with children Janneke, Lewis, Sheldon, Sarah and Esther. Pieter grew up in Zwolle, The Netherlands, and after surviving tuberculosis caught as a child during the WW II immigrated to Vancouver, Canada with his family in 1957 at the age of eighteen. He went off to college in Michigan two years later where he developed bronchiectasis. Through a series of operations in Michigan and later in Vancouver he lost his left lung and kidney. After recovery, he attended the University of British Columbia where he obtained a B.A. in both French and English literature. He went on to post graduate studies in French at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec. The summer after this Pieter worked at Expo '67 in Montreal and met Heather Davidson. After their marriage and a further year of study at Carlton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Pieter taught French for three years at Calvin College in Michigan and a year teaching French at Woodbridge Christian High School in Ontario. He then worked for two years as an immigration officer at Pearson International Airport before finding his true calling teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). For 21 years, Pieter taught ESL for all three branches of the Canadian military, first at CFB Borden in Ontario, then at CFB Esquimalt and at CFB Comox in British Columbia. After he was downsized at age 55, Pieter taught ESL at the University of Victoria for eight years calling it, "the best job I ever had". Pieter took part in M2/W2 prison ministry and served on the education committee of Pacific Christian School.

Pieter will be remembered for his love of his Lord and of his family including his church family, and for his humble, caring and gentle nature. He was an example of charity and integrity to all who knew him. We will all miss him terribly. The Marsman family wishes to thank the staff of the cardiac and internal medicine units of the Royal Jubilee Hospital, the Island Health Quick Response Team, and the Hospice Home Care team for their excellent care and compassion and many friends for all the loving support they've extended.

A funeral service to honour and bid farewell to Pieter will take place February 25, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Victoria Christian Reformed Church, 661 Agnes Street, Victoria. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation (http://www.victoriahospice.org) that allowed Pieter to die without pain in his own bedroom at home.
Published by The Times Colonist from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Pieter Marsman

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10 Entries

CheolJin An

March 26, 2014

He was my first ESL cource teacher. And he remains in my heart with the same warm smile just like the beautiful year 2000. I haven't talked or sent emails to him since I left Canada, but One thing that I'm sure is that my life after I met him is way better than before...
I'm really sorry that I couldn't say this to him now. But I believe he can hear my voice.
"Thank you, sir"

Jorge Montalvo

March 26, 2014

Dear Heather and family,

I just found out about Pieter, and it is with deep sorrow that I offer you my condolences.

Pieter was a great man (I don't need to tell you that)... He was my teacher at UVic, during my ELPI term in Victoria in the year 2000. I often think Pieter not only taught me English but also how to be a better person.

Pieter will be greatly missed but will always be remembered with great appreciation and affection.

Gary and Nancy Runhaar

March 3, 2014

Not only a cousin, but also a good friend over many years. We will miss him!

Leonard Van der Wekken

March 1, 2014

Dear Heather and Family,

It saddens me to hear(from Ria and Harry Cook)that Pieter passed away. I have many good memories of both of you when our paths crossed at Calvin College.

Pieter always struck me as a sincere christian person. He was a friend I could count on. I know he is with the Lord. May the Lord's loving presence be with you in this difficult time of sorrow.

Love from our family (Leonard, Shirley, Teresa and Emily) to you and your family.

Hendrik Roelants

February 25, 2014

Even though we didn't have the opportunity visit much since moving from our places on Vancouver Street. I truly enjoyed the times we did get together since then.

He was the best neighbour and friend a person could ask for.

I will miss him.

Danielle McCann and Chris Frye

February 24, 2014

We also had the pleasure of working with Pieter at The University of Victoria and remember his passion for teaching and his constant smile. Our sincere condolences.

February 24, 2014

Dear Heather and family: I am thinking of you as you mourn the loss of your beloved Pieter. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. May God comfort you and give you strength in your loss. Love and Prayers - Dorothy McMillan, Waterloo.

February 23, 2014

I worked with Pieter on several occasions at Uvic as a team teacher. He was a delightful person to work with as he did everything he could to make our work go well.I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet him. My heart goes out to his family in this time of grief. Regards, Veronica Diment

February 23, 2014

Dear Heather and family,Our condolances with the loss of Pieter!
We will all so miss him,he was a most kind and friendly person and a real gentleman!We so enjoyed the visit we had with you some time ago!
Heather you are in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you much strenght for the coming time!We will also miss Pieter at the Youth of yesterday! Much love Steve &Louise Diertens

Bob and Jean Davidson

February 23, 2014

Rest in peace Pieter ,We know you are looking down on your loving family smiling and pain free.

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Memorial Events
for Pieter Marsman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.