Martin Luther King Wyngaarden

Born in the wake of Dr. King’s assassination and named in honour of his commitment to non-violence in the struggle for racial justice and harmony, Martin Luther King Wyngaarden lived a full life, passing peacefully on April 12, 2025.

Sensitive and affectionate, Martin loved and was loved by many. He very much enjoyed listening to music and watching movies– and for him, Christmas music and movies were suitable at any time of the year. He enjoyed boerenkool, hutspot, ice cream (butterscotch!), and Tim Horton’s apple fritters. And while normally he would avoid rain or cold, the opportunity to ride his bike made weather irrelevant. He also enjoyed bowling and was absolutely taken by colourful flowers.

In his own way, Martin recognized himself as a child of God. He experienced God’s grace in prayer, in church services - whether in person or through recordings - and in the reverent celebration of communion.

Martin was pre-deceased by his loving parents Willem & Maria (van der Kouwe) Wyngaarden. He was a cherished brother of Jane & Sid Vander Wilp of Brighton, Willemina & Berend van Huizen of Stirling, Nicolaas & Elizabeth Wyngaarden of Stony Plain, Alberta, Daniel & Adriana Wyngaarden of Jarvis, Bill & Henny Wyngaarden of Trenton, Esther Wyngaarden of Trenton, and Peter & Arlene Wyngaarden of Elmira. He was loved by many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces/nephews. He was deeply cared for by staff and housemates at Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) in Peterborough.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care provided by Dr. Maltman, Martin’s primary care physician, as well as by Dr. Heidman and other doctors, nurses and staff at the palliative care unit of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

We will remember and celebrate Martin on April 25, 2025, at 11 am at Cephas Christian Reformed Church in Peterborough, ON and on April 26, 2025, at 2 pm at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Trenton, ON. Reception will follow each memorial; the Trenton memorial will also be livestreamed at https://www.ebenezercrc.ca/

Martin especially loved bright reds and vivid blues, so feel free to wear either or both of these colours as we remember him.

If you would like to honour Martin’s life with a financial gift, consider a contribution to Friendship Ministries Canada (https://www.friendshipministries.ca), to Karis Disability Services (Christian Horizons) (https://karis.org/ ) or to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (https://www.prhc.on.ca/).