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Jakob Zeyl Obituary
Jakob Sjoerd Thomas Oege Zeyl
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jakob (Jack) Zeyl, who was called home to be with his Lord on September 10, 2024 at age 82. Jack was born in Dokkum, Frysland in the Netherlands on March 23, 1942 and immigrated to Canada in 1954, settling in Sarnia, Ontario with his parents and brothers.
While the immigrant experience was not the easiest for Jack, in many ways it was a catalyst for his abiding love of learning. Learning was a passion that led him throughout his life. Jack studied Greek and Latin at the University of Toronto (Trinity College) and McMaster University, ultimately earning a PhD, before joining the faculty of Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU). He taught at WLU for more than 20 years, ultimately becoming Chair of the Classics Department, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the University’s first corporate secretary. His final publication, at age 80, was the translation of the landmark book “The Gods of the Greeks” into English, a book that was many years in the making and came to fruition with the support of his brother Don. Jack was also instrumental in the founding of Redeemer University College and served as Vice Chair on its first Board of Governors.
Despite suffering a major stroke at the age of 53, and the limitations it presented, Jack found different ways to learn, whether it be through genealogy, spending countless hours tracing the family’s history back to the fifteenth century, or regaling the family with stories from his younger days in Dokkum. Throughout his life, Jack remained steadfast in his commitment to his faith, his family whom he loved fiercely and delighted in spending time with grand and great grandchildren.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Wybe and Aukien Zeyl and his brother John. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Christel (nee Vonk), and their children, Will (Carolyn), Kirsten (Romesh) and Trevor (Mariesette) and six grand and great children, Matthew, Joshua, Julia, Koen, Beatrice and Emilia. He is also survived by his brothers Don (Judy), Jim (Alice), Thomas (Aleida) and his sister-in-law Annette (John) and many nephews and nieces.
The family is grateful for the compassion and care of many health care providers including: Drs. S. Schulman, K. Azzam, S. Forbes, B. Dhesy, W. Oczkowski, B. Shayegan, and the staff at Lee’s pharmacy in Dundas who for years have vigilantly cared for Jack.
At the family’s request, the burial services will be private. A Visitation will be held at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St. N., Waterdown on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., where the Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
In honour of Jack’s life and values, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Erin Toronto, a children’s bereavement camp or Redeemer University’s scholarships or bursaries department.
Psalm 23:6: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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March 23 1942
September 10 2024
Death notice for the town of: Waterdown, Province: Ontario
death notice Jakob Zeyl March 23 1942
September 10 2024
obituaries notice Jakob Zeyl March 23 1942
September 10 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jakob Zeyl March 23 1942
September 10 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.