Obituary of Arnold Dykstra

Dykstra, Arnold (Black Point, NS) age 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones after a valiant battle with cancer. (July 22, 1956 - January 14, 2020). Arnold was born in Pictou, NS to Pieter and Fokeltje (Bonnema) Dykstra. He grew up on a dairy farm in Little Harbour. He attended East Pictou Rural High School, then went on to Vocational School where he eventually earned a Red Seal in Carpentry. On a blind date, in the summer of 1980, he met his true love and life partner - Debbie, and they wed the following year. Together, they raised four strong, independent and loving children. Becoming Pake (grandfather) to his two grandsons, whom he absolutely adored, was one of his most cherished roles. All his life, Arnold was an incredibly hard worker. Early in his career he had his own construction business, he was a distributor for Voortman Cookies Ltd, he worked for Gridline Construction for a number of years, but most recently (and most proudly) he worked for his son’s company, Dykstra Construction Ltd. As recent as a week prior to his passing, he watched the weather forecast for snowfall warnings to ensure he took care of his plowing contracts. Even in hard times, he always provided for his family. Arnold was loved by many and he felt this love especially as his health deteriorated over these last few years. Everywhere he went, he would see a familiar face and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was an avid singer in the Little Harbour Presbyterian Church choir and enjoyed spending time with his buddies at Trenton Tim Horton’s. He enjoyed puttering in his shop, camping in the summer, sharing in laughter and watching his family grow. He was always quick to lend a helping hand and always had a bright smile on his face. Arnold leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Debbie (née Martin), children: Andrea Dykstra, Janna (Trevor) MacKay, Pieter (Katelyn) Dykstra and Christena Dykstra; grandchildren (Jacob & Emmett); godson: Matthew Martin; siblings: William (Johanna) Dykstra, Walter Dykstra, Gerald (Susan) Dykstra, John (Sherri) Dykstra, Alice (Klaas) Nieuwhof, brothers-in-law Dwayne(Leanne)Martin, Paul(Cheryl)Martin, a sister-in-law Donna(Paul)Woolley, numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law, Innie Dykstra. He built a strong and loving family and his legacy lives on in the love and kindness we show one another. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors from 2-5pm Sunday at the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A memorial service will be held 11am Monday from the Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, Little Harbour, NS with Rev. Lorne Macleod presiding. Private burial will take place at a later date in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Special thanks to the medical teams at the Cancer Centre and Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital (New Glasgow, NS) and the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre at the QE2 Health Sciences Centre (Halifax, NS). Donations in his memory can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital or charity of their choice. Family flowers only. angusfuneralhomes.com