October 7, 1944 - December 10, 2023
In loving memory of
Douglas Boersema
1944 - 2023
After a valiant battle with cancer Doug Boersema went peacefully to be with his heavenly father early Sunday morning, December 10, 2023, with family at his side.
Doug was born in Groningen, the Netherlands on October 7, 1944, to Marten & Elly (Bos) Boersema. In 1951 he emigrated to Canada with his family to eventually settle in Strathroy, Ontario. Doug became a teacher and is remembered by many as he taught in different locations throughout Canada, including Strathroy, Smithville, and Orangeville, Ontario; Carman, Manitoba; Coaldale, Alberta, and finally Smithers, British Columbia. Here he left teaching and worked in many different fields including work for the forestry department, carpentry, and renovations. One of Doug's passions was history and the research of it. He spent many years on the Telkwa Museum Board and many hours at the museum and on his computer researching information about the Bulkley Valley. Doug also loved horses, dog mushing and dragon boat racing and through his jobs and many other interests met many people and developed many friendships in the Telkwa and Smithers area.
Doug will be missed by his Smithers family Tera & Harold Dykstra and their children Melissa, Rebecca, James, Hannah, and Ben as well as his church family at the Smithers Canadian Reformed Church where he developed very close relationships and became 'Uncle Doug' to many. He was also loved and will be missed by siblings John & Jenny Boersema, Joe & Ena Boersema, Rennie Pieterman, Ralph & Lucille Boersema, Attie & Henry Sandink, Jack Boersema, Janice & Henk Van Dam, Bob & Nancy Boersema, Theresa & Talbot Bergsma, Marcia & Ron Vandenbos, Nick Boersema and sister-in-law Susan Koomans and their families. Doug was predeceased by his sister Julie and her husband Case Lindhout and brother-in-law Jack Pieterman.
Memorial Donations may be made to the International Reformed Theological College (IRTC) and Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund (CRWRF).
Condolences may be offered at
www.schraderfuneralhome.ca