Peacefully at Shalom Manor on Sunday, August 20, 2023, with his wife at his side, the Lord called to Himself Niek Gootjes at the age of 75 years. Beloved husband of Alberdina “Dinie” (nee Stegeman) for 46 years. Loved father of Henk (Stephanie), Albert (Alinde), Kees (Else), Jentine (Matt), and Gerard (Syd). Dear opa of Albert; Niek, Daan, Teun, and Siem; Micah, Rosie, and June; Grace and Millie; and Garrett and Ellis. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Kees† (Jos), Jan Pieter (Ludie), Jaap (Greta), Henk† (Els), Jan (Marian), and Albert (Herma).
Born in Leeuwarden (Netherlands), Niek Gootjes was ordained as a minister of the Word in 1976. After serving the Reformed Church (Liberated) of Leiden for three years, he was appointed professor of dogmatics at Kosin Theological Seminary, and he spent the next decade teaching in Busan (South Korea).
In 1989 he and his family settled in Hamilton (Canada), where he was appointed professor at the
Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary. After many fruitful years as a respected scholar and teacher, the final two decades of Niek Gootjes’s career and life were marked by his battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Special thanks to all the caregivers at Shalom Manor. Their dedication, love and support over the past ten years is truly appreciated.
Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, August 24 from 6-9 p.m. at ANCASTER CANADIAN
REFORMED CHURCH, 575 Shaver Road, Ancaster where the Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11 a.m., Rev. Dr. C. Van Dam officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Hamilton Cemetery. Reception to be held in the church hall. Donations to Shalom Manor, Grimsby would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Please sign the Tribute Wall at
kitchingsteepeandludwig.com.