Obituary of Eelke Hiddema

Called home by the Lord early Saturday morning, January 11, 2020 in his 90th year, Eelke (Al) passed peacefully at Kingston General Hospital. Beloved husband for 57 years of Roelie (Ruby) and father of John (Penny) and Peter (Alicia) all of Toronto, and Eric (Mona) of Calgary. Proud and beloved Pake (grandfather) of Evan, Clara, Marc, Jasmine, Jade and Kai. Predeceased by his parents, two sisters and five brothers. He was the last surviving member of his family. He was born at less than a kilogram between the World Wars in the village of Sumar in the province of Friesland, The Netherlands. Immigrating to Canada with his bride in 1962, he built a life around his family, church and community. He was a long-time Elder at the First Christian Reformed Church, an active member of the Christian Labour Association of Canada, and a leader of the Kingston Hard of Hearing Club. He enjoyed hard work and building with his hands. He worked many years as a welder and fitter, before starting his own landscaping business. He slowly retired from that work, still biking to his last few customers in his late 70's. In 2008, on behalf of his parents, he was honoured to see them recognized by Yad Vashem as "Righteous Among the Nations" at a ceremony in Toronto for hiding a Jewish boy during World War II. A delight to his grandchildren, he loved playing with and teaching them at every opportunity. There will be a visitation held at the James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Blvd. Kingston, ON) on Wednesday January 15th, 2020 from 5-8pm. The funeral will be Thursday January 16th, 2020 at 11:30am at the First Christian Reformed Church (310 Kingscourt Ave, Kingston, ON). In lieu of flowers, donations to the University Hospital Kingston Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.