Obituary of Jan Posthuma
Jan (John) Posthuma passed away peacefully at Providence Care Hospital in Kingston Ontario on Thursday, May 14, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife Hinke (Helen) (nee DeJong), his children Gerald (Mabel Seto) and Jessica (Jeongho Kim) and his three grandchildren Gregory, Geoffrey and Graydon. He is survived by his sister Sjoukje (deVries) and brothers Wytse and Geert, all of the Netherlands. He is predeceased by his brother Reimer and parents Geert and Luurtske (nee Harkema). John was born in Sint Jacobiparochie, Friesland Netherlands and emigrated to Canada in 1960. He and Helen married in 1966 and moved to Kingston shortly thereafter where he has lived since. John worked many years for Correctional Service Canada, retiring from Collins Bay Institution in 2002. He and Helen were also the long-time care takers of the Kingston Christian School through the 1980s and 90s.
John`s greatest love was for God, his family and his friends. He was a hardworking individual who prided himself on providing for his family through difficult economic times. He and Helen spent many hours together lovingly tending to their vegetable garden and enjoying it`s bounties. His grandsons will forever remember Grandpa`s passionate cheering at their hockey games, his treats of Tim Horton`s Timbits and hot chocolate and summer breaks spent fishing on the Rideau Canal and picnicking at Grass Creek park. John had a passion to share his love of God whenever he had the opportunity – be it volunteering at Martha`s Table, prayer breakfasts with friends at home or joining in worship with friends at the Salvation Army, Open Heaven, and the Kingston House of Prayer. He will be forever remembered for having a quick smile and an open heart.
The family extends sincere gratitude to all the staff at the Providence Care Hospital who provided our father with wonderful care and compassion in his final months. Due to restrictions currently in place for COVID-19, a private grave side service will take place at Cataraqui Cemetery on Tuesday May 19, 2020 in the morning. A celebration of John`s life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Salvation Army – Kingston Citadel, or the charity of your choice.
