POSTHUMUS, Wietse -
December 7, 1938 - December 22, 2023
On December 22, 2023, Wietse Posthumus died at home, with his wife of 61 years, Kathryn; and youngest son, Benjamin, by his side.
Children, Wesley, Michael, Jennifer, and Sarah, arrived in turn.
Though his death was anticipated, it was still shocking in its suddenness, but they were able to sing Wietse on his way with strains of "Glory to God, in the Highest!"
Wietse was born on December 7, 1938, in the small Frisian village of Jistrum, the Netherlands.
WWII shaped his early years, and he clearly remembered the day in 1945 when he stood roadside with his family and cheered the arrival of Canadian soldiers who came to liberate Holland.
Wietse experienced so much in his childhood and adolescence - war, immigration, social exclusion, the rigidity of the church, and hard work.
He never stopped examining the impact of these formative years on the rest of his life, and they were fundamental to the lessons he passed on to his children and grandchildren. What a blessing to have been raised and nurtured by him!
Words do not capture all that Wietse meant to Kathryn, his children, grandchildren, and to his community at the First Christian Reformed Church of Toronto. Leader, advocate, and faithful servant.
Patriarch, Pake, brother, and progressive voice in all matters of faith and family. A lawyer for more than half of his 85 years, Wietse is remembered as a skilled orator and steadfast counsellor, and for his ability to hold both passion and logic in perfect tension. He is also remembered for his faith, intelligence, truth-telling, compassion, and his incredible wit.
And, of course, his great looks. In his final months, Wietse continued to wrestle with the big questions of life - purpose, legacy, charity, service, and suffering.
It was his ultimate desire to set his relationships right with his Creator, his family, and friends, and to face death with grace and courage. What lessons we take from him, and what praise we offer for his remarkable life! Wietse is survived by his wife; five children; their spouses: Donna, Carolyn, Martin, Sandra, and Greg; and by his grandchildren: Luca, Willem, Jace, Josephine, Audrey, and Amélie. V
isitation: Friday, December 29, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation and Celebration at First Christian Reformed Church of Toronto, 67 Taunton Road.
Donations may be made in Wietse's memory to the Institute for Christian Studies, a community supported graduate school.
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