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MARK ZEILSTRA
Born: Jun 18, 1935
Date of Passing: Jul 20, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARK (CORNELIS) ZEILSTRA Mark (Cornelis) Zeilstra, aged 82, died peacefully early Thursday morning, July 20, 2017 at Tuxedo Villa. His loving family all spent time with him leading up to his passing. He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons, Ronald (Rose), James, Grant (Shawna), and Derek (Lisa). He will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren, Kaitlin, Arabella, Juliana, Marcus, Christopher, Faith and Calvin. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim Zeilstra and Richard Burke. Mark was born in Akkrum, Netherlands on June 18, 1935 to Elisabeth and Rinke Zeilstra. Mark took organ lessons in the Netherlands and continued in Winnipeg with Hugh Bancroft. He played the organ in many Winnipeg churches from the age of 15 until late in life, but mostly enjoyed playing organ and piano duets with his wife Nancy. He also enjoyed sailing at the lake, biking, fishing and spending time with his four sons. He always enjoyed studying, and became one of the first mature students at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree at age 33. He then went on to become a Chartered Financial Analyst working at Richardson Securities and Shelter Corporation. Since education was so important to him, he mentored, tutored and financed many young people going to university. He was proud of his sons and their accomplishments. He volunteered many hours in his church and will leave his family a Godly heritage. Mark was diagnosed 12 years ago with Parkinson's Disease but remained positive and never complained despite the difficult progression of the disease. Mark and Nancy celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on July 16. They believe that "the times spent together are immortal, imperishable and life never stops. The death of our loved ones is merely a threshold between an ending and a new beginning." - Nina George. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Church of the Rock, 1397 Buffalo Place. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Mark Zeilstra to Parkinson's Canada, in care of 7-414 Westmount Dr., Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2, or at parkinson.ca.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2017
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Condolences to Nancy and family. May God grant you comfort and His peace at the passing of your husband and father. - Posted by: Lena Koop (Friend) on: Jul 22, 2017
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Uncle Cor (Cornelius), as he was known to us was a kind and thoughtful man. Many have commented on his dry wit and humor. These attributes cannot be overstated. Uncle Cor and Aunt Nancy showed kindness to me personally when, as a teenager, I appeared on their doorstep seeking my future. They did not hesitate to take me in as one of their own and put me on a successful path. This year I celebrate my 40th wedding anniversary and retirement from a career in teaching. My heart and wishes go out to Aunt Nancy, Ronald, James, Grant and Derek and their families for this great loss. I am confident we will all meet with Uncle Cor again. I am disheartened that I cannot attend the service tomorrow. Distance has proven to be a barrier but please believe that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rick Zeilstra - Posted by: Rick Zeilstra (Nephew) on: Jul 21, 2017