Wietse Posthumus

POSTHUMUS, Wietse Peacefully on October 10, 2009 at the Longfields Manor Nursing Home, in his 76th year. He leaves behind Avelina Posthumus (nee Hartsema), his dear wife and constant companion of 50 years (married October 10, 1959). Dear father of Andrew (Karen); Kathy de Haan (Bill) and Paul (Elaine). Proud Opa/Papa to Calvin, Evan, Ryan, Emily and Luke. Beloved brother of Kate (Tom Taylor); Hennie (Joe Hilverda); Leni (Peter Vander Kooij); Helen (late Mike Dykstra); Herman (Brenda) and Andrew (Laurie). He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews. Wietse was the eldest child born in January 1934 in Alphen aan den Rijn, Holland to Andrew and Hermina Posthumus. Wietse and his family immigrated to Canada in 1947 to Owen Sound, Ontario. Wietse attended Queen's University (Economics degree) and later attended NUFFIC (Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education) and received a Master in Social Sciences. Upon graduating Wietse and Avelina moved to Ottawa where he began to work for the Federal Public Service with roles in Trade and Commerce, Department of Regional Economic Expansion with his last position as Director of Research for the Tariff Board in 1992. Wietse was an active 50 year member at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Ottawa and was the church council's clerk for ten years. Wietse battled Parkinson's Disease from the very young age of 40 but he never let it stop him. He was always willing to try new alternatives in search of a cure. He had a quick sense of humour; loved playing bridge and euchre; playing with his grandchildren and watching sports of any kind (especially if it was his children and grandchildren). Thank you to the Longfields Manor residents and nursing staff for their great care in his final days. Friends and family may visit at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 1475 Merivale Rd. (at Gilbey Drive), Ottawa on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Funeral Service at Calvin Christian Reformed Church Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 10:30 am. Interment following at Capital Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to the CRWRC (Christian Reformed World Relief Committee) www.crwrc.org or charity of your choice would be appreciated.