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Arie Breedyk, formerly of Sarnia, Ontario, in his 96th year, on the summer solstice, June 20, 2025. Predeceased by his loving wife Dirkje (“Vicky”), née Sekeris, of 65 years, and his son-in-law, Richard Oudyk. Beloved father of Bill, Gary, Kathleen (Chris Philpott) and Caroline Breedyk-Tanner (Simon Tanner). Cherished grandfather of Emily Oudyk (Shaishav Shah), Nathaniel Oudyk, Juliana Philpott, and Marya Philpott. Dear brother of Maartje Rijlaarsdam of the Netherlands.
Born in Alphen a.d. Rijn, the Netherlands, November 24, 1929, Dad met Mom (who was also born in Alphen) when they were in their late teens. When Dad first saw her, she was skating on a canal with her sisters and Dad was smitten. They emigrated to Canada together in 1951, married in 1952, and had Bill in 1953. They lived on Mayfair Drive in Sarnia for almost 60 years.
A life-long builder, tinkerer, and amateur astronomer, Dad’s basement workshop was a wonderland of projects, including a homemade flight simulator that ran on hydraulics (which would crash if someone flushed the toilet upstairs). He learned to fly at 41 and would announce over the shortwave radio when he was about to fly over the house – at which point we’d run outside as he flew a Cessna overhead and waggled the wings in greeting. He took his children and grandchildren flying many times over the years. (And now it can be told – he flew under the Bluewater Bridge a few times.) The runway lights he embedded in the driveway were well known in the neighbourhood. He built an observatory for his telescope in the backyard, complete with retractable roof operated by the “Arie Arm”, which was mounted on the nearby clothesline pole. He made backyard rinks in the winter and showed us the constellations up above and taught us their names.
He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He missed our mother, the love of his life, terribly when she passed away in 2017, and now has flown away to be with her. ABK, turning final, Runway 2025, Sarnia.
In keeping with Arie’s wishes, a private graveside has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca
November 24th 1929 June 20th 2025
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario
death notice Arie Breedyk November 24th 1929 June 20th 2025
obituaries notice Arie Breedyk November 24th 1929 June 20th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Arie Breedyk November 24th 1929 June 20th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
