Obituary of Mark Gordon "Gord" Okkema

OKKEMA: Mark Gordon "Gord" - "On Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 8:45p.m., this man took his final breath, a strong man with an even stronger heart, fought for three days longer than expected where we as family were able to sit with him, pray with him and hold his hand. My grandpa showed me just how beautiful the world can be, and taught me how much more amazing it would be with our Heavenly Father. He knew what was important in this life and led our family with a humble hand. Gone too soon, but just as the Lord had planned. May he make the gardens in heaven even more beautiful as he did on Earth." - Alyssa Born in Andyk, The Netherlands 74 years ago, Gord was the son of the late Harry and Helen (Honing) Okkema. Beloved husband of 54 years to Frances Okkema. Loving Dad of Jeff Okkema (Julie) of Ridgetown, Donna Okkema of Chatham, John Okkema (Lisa) of Ridgetown and Lisa Okkema of Chatham. Loving Grandpa of Melissa (James), Jeffery Okkema (Natasha), Jessara Gernaey (Billy), Lucas Okkema, Kathryn Jones (Rob), Brent Watson (Shelbe), Lyndsay Watson, Allie Okkema, Alyssa Mast (Brett) and Jordyn Storey. Great-Grandpa to Wyatt, Damien, Destiny, Jada, Bella, Riley, Chloe, Spencer and Brixton. Dear brother to Tina DeVries, Jeannette Schenk (Neil), Anne Vanderleeuw (Jake), Harry Okkema (Tina) and Henry Okkema. Predeceased by his brothers Arthur and John. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Gord retired from National Grocers after 31 years of service. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Monday, March 7, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. until the Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Rick Dressler officiating. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations made in memory of Gord to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/157856608" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>