During the 1980s Don was my flight instructor and good friend.  He was an amazing person who gave so much to others.  He will be greatly missed.  A wonderful human being.

Even years later there is hardly a week that goes by that I don't think about Don. He took my brothers and I flying when we were in high school. He'd take me out to lunch every once in a while. Even when I went away to college he'd call seemingly every other week and see how I was doing. That's mentorship. He set an example I have done my best to follow as I work in youth ministry now. Don was a prime example of consistency, care, and faithfulness. I still miss him dearly to this day. Till we meet again, Captain. 

Captain, my Captain.....
I'm really glad we got to see you again a few years ago Don.
You were the best.
You will always be missed my friend.
Brian and Debbie

We'll miss you, Don.
               Larry and Linda Sauer

Don was a good man. I was blessed to have known him and watch him minister to others at the rescue mission. He treated others with dignity, respect, and the love of Christ.

So sorry to hear of this! Don was such a strong role model for so many people. A man of great Christian faith and a mentor to many young flyers including myself. Godspeed home Don, fair skies and tailwinds forever.

Don was so very good to all three of our sons... taking them all up in his plane, and mentoring then. So grateful for him in our lives!

Don will be greatly missed by the VPM community, his spiritual family. We always enjoyed spending time with Don, and the interest he showed in other people's lives. I know right now he is hearing the Lord tell him, "Well done good and faithful servant"
John and Tina Wood.

" Flyers Prayer"
   When this life I'm in is done, and at the gates I stand, my hope is that I answer all his questions on command.
    I doubt he'll ask me of my fame, or all the things I knew, instead he'll ask of rainbows sent on rainy days I flew.
     And when the goals are reached at last, when all the flying done, I'll answer him with no regret - indeed, I had some fun.
      So when these things are asked of me, and I can reach no higher, my prayer this day - his hand extends to welcome home a flyer.
       Don will be dearly missed by the entire Beville family!
        Renee, Hannah, Ryan and Steve  PS: Love you Brother!!

Don made such a difference in the lives of so many, including mine. I was blessed to be able to call him a friend. He really believed in the importance of mentorship and his duty to serve others.  The last thing he said to me was I'll see you on the other side bud. I'm looking forward to that day Captain!

Don and I shared wings for many years.  I will miss him greatly

Don will be missed by many people! He was an example of success in his profession and faithful to the end in his Christian faith. He made a difference for many people. A life well lived! Prayers for his family.

What a guy! Don faithfully volunteered at Holland Rescue Mission's Men's Ministry Center and he will be greatly missed. We are so thankful for the legacy he left with so many of our men. Prayers for the family!

thank you Don for the memories see you in heaven brother don't catch all the fish save me some 

Don had such a servants heart.  I knew Don for almost 6 years as I trained him in the Men's Emergency Shelter at the Holland Rescue Mission.  He always brought cheer to his volunteering shifts and  was a real blessing to the men he served at the mission.  He served even when he had his heath issues and was taking chemo treatments.  This was a testament to his faithfulness and the servant heart he possessed.  He will be missed at the Holland Rescue Mission by staff and the clients he served.  We are all better people for knowing Don.  May you RIP my friend.   

Don was always present.  When his health started failing he never missed a shift at the Rescue Mission.  Don always put others first.  Don always showed care and concern for those who were hurting.  Don taught me that God wants to use every part of our lives and never doubted his physical presence but used it to glorify the almighty.  Don had a rare sense of humor.  I will never forget the lessons he taught me.  I am so thankful God brought him into my life and the life of the rescue Mission.  Don is flying higher than ever before.

Here is Your God!
30Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. 
New American Standard Bible

Don was a great friend, and as his friend, I know how much he loved Robin and all his family. My deepest sympathy on your loss of this talented, wise and kind man. I will miss him. 

May Don be with GOD in heaven.He was a good person.We will miss him.

For all those who traveled with Don, I'm reminded of a line from a Peter, Paul, and Mary song "...my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..." God speed Don and thanks for the memories!
Pete Stofen

OBITUARY

Donald Dykstra

September 8, 1938 – July 26, 2017

Lakeshore Memorial Services

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