Carel Ferdinand Reesink

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Ferdinand (Fred) Reesink born March 18, 1922 in Brummen Gelderland Netherlands. Dad was the youngest of five step-sisters and his sister Else. He grew up on a mixed farm that he greatly improved after getting his agriculture diplomas. Dad taught Sunday school and was involved in farmers youth groups. Later he became very involved in various agriculture committees – dairy, beef and especially sugar beets. Dad was married in 1954 then immigrated to France in 1959 to take over the family farm where he farmed successfully. Once again, he was part of various farm co-ops. Dad decided to move to Canada in 1977 with his wife and five sons. Dad was full of enthusiasm and energy for the opportunities this endeavor could offer his family. This lead to the initiation of a grass roots farmer group which later became KAP. Dad loved faming but always in connection with nature that he respected as God’s creation. Later this view became at odds with new agriculture practices. Dad was very much an entrepreneur – he took a lot of risks yet embraced the responsibility associated with his decisions. This unwavering sense of responsibility permeated all aspects of his life and transpired to the family home. These qualities made for a strong personality. Religious at heart, he was a loving, sensitive, and respectful husband. A loving father who generously devoted his time to playing chess and horseback riding with his sons, never passing on the opportunity to instill a strong work ethic which he possessed. His rule of education was you are free but responsible. Sometimes this was a heavy burden for young shoulders; Dad was a man of few words but a philosopher all the same. He was organized, punctual and discrete as well as respectful of others ideas. Dad fully trusted others as he was himself a very sincere person. A man of great integrity. He was predeceased by his son Jean Francois. He is missed by his dear cherished wife Francoise of 64 years, his sons Charles, Vincent, Martin (Anyes), Carel (Jennifer) and his grandchildren. He is also remembered by Dicky, Kitty, Pim, Chris, his brothers and sisters in law, the friends who visited him, Gordon, Henry, Hilda, Gorge, Ken as well as his farm help Peter and Hank. To this day Dad would still bring up the names of workers in Holland and France worrying about their well-being – with same care and responsibility he always possessed. The family would like to thank those dedicated to Dads declining health these last few months, Doctors, their staff and homecare. At 96, after an interesting and well accomplished life courageous till the end he died peacefully on Friday July 6 surrounded by his loved ones. A few weeks ago, Dad said to mom….What a nice idea to think that just as a farmer comes back home tired after his work in the field, when our work here is done on Earth God comes to take us to the eternal place of rest. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 1:00pm at St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 3390 Portage Avenue with interment to follow at Sanford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.