It’s with sadness that OTA reports that Michael Bylsma, the father of OTA and CTA Board member Mark Bylsma, has passed away. The OTA & CTA staff extend our heartfelt condolences at this sad time to the Bylsma family.
Donations in honour of Michael can be made to Beacon Christian School, St. Catharines, a cause very dear to Mike’s heart. Online tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.
Obituary:
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 42:10
On Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Niagara Health Centre, surrounded by his family, Mike Bylsma peacefully stepped into heaven to meet his Saviour face to face. In his 81st year, Mike had fiercely battled heart disease for the past 15 years. Our Miracle Mike astounded doctors time and time again. Ever thankful to God for his “bonus years”, Mike was able to meet and love all of his grandchildren, enjoy many more camping trips, spend more time with his family and even celebrate his 80th birthday.
Married for 53 years, Mike is survived by his wife Frances (nee Dykstra) and his children and grandchildren: Marjorie and Rob Schaafsma (Madeleine, Kiera, Joelle); Brian and Vickie (Megan, Kaitlyn, Michael, Kristen); Mark and Grace (Ryan, Claire). Mike was predeceased by a brother Wiebe Freerk (1941), his mother Trijntje (Bij de Leij, 1976) and his father Douwe Bylsma (1995). Mike will be dearly missed by a large extended family of Bylsmas and Dykstras, and by a close circle of friends.