Gabe “Gary” Dykstra died peacefully in hospital on December 21, 2016 surrounded by his wife and sons. He was in his 73rd year. Born in Joure, Friesland in The Netherlands at the tail end of World War II, Gary and his large family came to Canada in 1951.

How to describe “The Chief”? Loving, stubborn, a collector of funny stories, a force in the room, always up for a party. Sinatra sang, “My Way”. From the moment Gary was born to the moment of his passing, he did it his way. He loved his family, car racing, the ponies, golf, reading and his friends at the Army, Navy & Air Force Veteran’s Club 344.

Dear husband of Jane Dykstra who will miss him greatly. Loving father of Marten (Cathryn) of Guelph and Steven (Alison) of Milton. Dear stepfather of Brian (Megan), Caley, Paul (Karen) and Mario. Dear pake, nonno and grandfather of Sarah, Tasha, Braeden, Brynlee, Kristy, Trevor, Megan, Stephanie, Adam, Sarah, Brady, Nolan and Taylor Jean. He is survived by his siblings, Margaret, Winnie, Harry and Patricia and his first wife, Lois. Predeceased by his parents, Marten and Shirley, his second wife, Doreen, and his siblings Lowell, Jerry and Thelma.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Salvation Army would be appreciated. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the Army, Navy & Air Force Veteran’s Club 344, 32 Gordon Street, Guelph, on Saturday, January 14th, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. Another celebration of his life will take place at the Exeter Legion, Exeter, 316 William Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017.