ROZEMA, Melle Rozema

Passed peacefully, welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour.

Devoted husband of the late Sally Rozema and the late Aleda Rozema. Loving father and father-in-law to Henry & Joanne, Ralph, Ed & Michelle, and Ken & Denise; stepfather of Carolyn & Martin Hamming, Ann & Alfred Kiers, Bernice & (the late) Fred Geerlinks, Janet & (the late) Anthony Snippe, Clarence VanSoelen, and Henry & Grace VanSoelen.

Cherished Pake to Jeff & Caitlin, Steve & Shannelle, Jordan & Bethany, Kelsey & Landon, Ryan & Courtney, Rachel, Samantha, and Matthew, as well as great-grandchildren Kai, Alina, Kinsley, Hallie, and Gavin.

Beloved brother and brother-in-law of Ben & Annie Koerssen, John & Joyce Rozema, Wietske Devos (of the Netherlands) and Thea Devries (of the Netherlands). Predeceased by Henry & Elly Zuidersma and Dora Rozema.

Melle was born on April 12, 1932, in Beemster, The Netherlands, the second of four children to Hendrick (Henry) and Doutsen (Dorothy) Rozema. In February 1951, seeking a better life, the Rozema family boarded the ship Volendam with little to their name and made the journey to Canada, landing in Halifax before settling in Bowmanville.

In 1961, Melle married Sapke (Sally) Devos. Together, they built a home filled with love and faith, nurturing four boys in the principles of Christian living. A devoted and hardworking father, Melle always found time to be present mentoring, guiding, and simply enjoying time with his sons. Some of his fondest memories were from his annual cottage trip, where he could relax, fish, and sit by the campfire surrounded by family.

Melle was deeply committed to his church and Christian education. He believed in building a life of purpose and service in Christ. He found his professional calling in painting and wallpapering, co-founding Van-Ro Painting & Decorating, eventually continuing the business on his own. His work was marked by dedication, integrity, and pride.

Melle’s life was also blessed by a strong bond with his brother John. Together, they purchased land from their father and ran a successful poultry farm while maintaining full-time jobs. Their business partnership was rooted in trust and shared values, and their deep friendship as brothers endured to the end.

After retirement, Melle and Sally enjoyed many summers at Elim Lodge and winters in Florida, enjoying fishing, cheering on the Blue Jays, and spending time with family and friends. Sadly, Sally passed away in 2003, leaving behind beautiful memories of a life well-lived together.

In 2006, Melle married Aleda Vansoelen. Their ten years together were filled with joy, travel, and shared purpose. Their happiness together brought great comfort to their blended family of children and grandchildren. Aleda passed away in 2016, but the love they shared remained a light in Melle’s life.

In his later years, Melle moved to Durham Christian Homes in Whitby, where he continued to be surrounded by love—especially from his brother John, dear friend Agnes Morey, and his late cousin Henka Bandstra.

Melle Rozema will be remembered for his unwavering faith, quiet strength, and the deep love he had for his family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set—a life of hard work, humility, Christian service, and grace. He will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing he is resting in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be held at the Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home, 53 Division St., Bowmanville, on Sunday September 7, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church on September 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for those who are unable to attend, the service will be available via livestream at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/F-JOit3hJak

A private family interment will take place at Bowmanville Cemetery prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Gate 3:16 would be appreciated by the family and can be made through Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home.