Obituary of Dick Vyn

Dirk (Dick) Vyn, a child of God, was born in Opperdoes, a small village in Northern Holland, on December 16, 1927.  His family in Holland are grateful for the freedom won by the sacrifices of Canadian and U.S. soldiers near the end of World War II. Dick passed into God’s eternal rest on October 6, 2021, surrounded by family at the Village on the Ridge (retirement residence) in Ridgetown, Ontario. Dick worked on his parents' vegetable farm in Opperdoes before immigrating to Canada; he landed by ship in Halifax in January of 1952. He married his childhood sweetheart, Antje (Ann) Klaver, in Chatham, Ontario on September 4, 1952.  From 1953 to 1968 they were blessed with 6 sons and 1 daughter. After working 10 years for several crop and livestock farmers in Kent County, Dick and Ann Vyn purchased a small farm near Ridgetown in 1962. He had a life-long passion for agriculture which was passed onto his children. Dick was a devoted and founding member of the Christian Reformed Church in Blenheim. He loved teaching Sunday School there for over 50 years. Many people were blessed by his visits, volunteer work and encouragement. Dick expressed thankfulness for God’s providence throughout his life. Besides the 7 children, the extended family now includes 32 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren. Dick mourned the death of his wife Ann in 1987; he later cherished a friendship with Tina Stienstra. Dick was preceded in death by three sisters. His brother Jack Vyn (spouse Ann) of Chatham; and sisters Willie Zwier, and Reina Hoekstra, both of Holland, survive. Predeceased by his daughter-in-law Maryann. Dick is also survived by his children Tony (Cathy), Harold (Ida), Anita Smids, Martin (Ingrid), Jake (Grace), Richard (Tanya), and Stewart (Marsha) together with all their respective children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of the Life will be held at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 255 Tweedsmuir Avenue West, Chatham, on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 11am. Interment will be held privately in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown.

Those planning to attend the Celebration of Life must register by phone (519-674-3141) or via the following link: CLICK HERE

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario has mandated that all in attendance must wear a mask.

Alternatively, the Celebration of Life will be live streamed at www.chathamgrace.com and may be accessed by clicking the MEDIA Tab, and thereafter selecting Live Stream.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's memory to the Chatham Christian School, World Renew or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141