Doede ‘Dougie’ Jaarsma
Born: December 14th, 1953
Passed on: May 28th, 2017
It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Doede ‘Dougie’ Jaarsma, regret to announce his passing on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born December 14, 1953, in Sint Nicolaasga, Friesland, Netherlands, Dougie was the son of the late Bouwe and Baukje (Zylstra) Jaarsma. Dougie moved to Canada at the age of 18, fell in love with Cape Breton and stayed.
He was a diesel mechanic, employed 27 years with Atlantic Cat. He loved his work and it showed in his outstanding reputation, but his family always came first. He was an example of what a caring father and husband should be. Dougie was a fan of Formula One Racing, spending time in his garage and riding his motor bike. He loved his Cape Breton Post and making Sunday morning breakfast.
Dougie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marie (MacDonald); daughter, Sarah (Mike Corbett), who he was so proud of, Gabarus Lake; sister, Elly (Jan) Wiersma; brothers, Harry (Elly), Douwe (Grace) and Tjeerd (Hammie), and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his furry friend, his cat, Penney.
Besides his parents, Dougie was predeceased by his special aunt, Geeske Clausen, as well as his mother and father-in-law, Johnnie and Sadie MacDonald.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, May 31 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Zion Wesley United Church on Friday, June 2 at 2 p.m., with Nancy Whitney-Latham, DLM officiating. Interment in Zion Cemetery, Gabarus Lake.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice and something that would please Dougie would be to perform an act of kindness in his memory.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
