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Frederik Jan de Groot Boersma

April 24, 1941 - January 18, 2021

de GROOT BOERSMA, Frederik – At his residence on Monday, January 18, 2021, with family by his side, Fred de Groot Boersma of London in his 80th year. Beloved husband of the late Nellie (Ketelaars). Loving father to Monica (Jon) Nusink and Greg (Samantha) de Groot Boersma all of London. Proud Opa to Emilee, Darren, Abigayle and Carter. Dear brother to Bouke (Tina), Sander (Geertje) and Ruurd (Els). Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery. A celebration of Fred’s life will be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Fred are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program. To leave an online condolence, please click the Tribute Wall to the left of the obituary.

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(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - LHSF)

~ Jenn Berkelmans

In memory of Fred DeGroot Boersma. Our thoughts are with the Nusink and DeGroot Boersma families.

~ Leo Nusink

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. He was an incredible man. Thinking of you all . Xo

~ Jill Chromczak

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - LHSF)

~ Allison Marucci & Pete Beaumont

We remember Fred as a wonderful brother-in-law. May he be heartily welcomed by Nelly

~ John/Catherine Ketelaars

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program - LHSF)

~ John de Vries Jr

To Monica and Greg and their families, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It was a pleasure to be neighbours and to know your Mom and Dad. It was always a fun chat with your Dad when we ran into him at Metro or Home depot. So sorry for your loss. Tom and Stephanie Greenside and family.

~ Stephanie Greenside

In loving memory of a wonderful man xoxo

~ Deb Hirdes

Will miss you Fred.

~ David & Donna McDougall

To all of the family, from me Roel Braam and my wife Wicky our hart felt condolences.

~ Roel Braam

Greg and Monica, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. May your father Rest In Peace.

~ Scott and Blair

Monica and Greg My heart is breaking for you. Your dad was a wonderful man. Upbeat,hard working,loving. A integral part of my families lives. So many memories. Huge hugs to you. Aunt Debbie ❤️❤️

~ Deb Hirdes

To Greg, Samantha, Emilee & family, Our sincere condolences from the Mason family. We are saddened by this news as we fondly remember your Dad and Opa. He was always smiling and we enjoyed chatting with him at the church and years ago at Wilton Grove P.S. Brian remembers the nights playing pool downtown and he was always painting and fixing something at the church. He was a friend and we will miss him. From Kim. Brian, Alex and Matthew

~ Kim Mason

My deepest condolences to the De Groot family and grandchildren, so sad to have read about the passing of your dad... we were neighbours for many years ..and what lovely neighbours they were. I am sure he will be missed , but united with his lovely wife Nellie... Sincerest warmest blessings.. Mrs Christine Turgeon (Marcel has passed away) but they were great friends

~ Mrs Christine Turgeon

Fred was one of the first people to greet us at church two years ago when we arrived in London. We always enjoyed talking to him. He also went out for breakfast with Ralph one morning. He will be missed! Our condolences!! Ralph and Emmy Lise

~ Ralph and Emmy Lise

Fred was a man who was easy to like and to respect. Our thoughts are with all of you.

~ Denise and Jim Norman

I grew up two doors down from Fred and in all these years since moving away, there hasn’t been a trip home that didn’t include some time spent with him. Whether it was for a drink at my parents’ house, a summer get-together in his backyard, or just a friendly chat or wave at the end of the driveway, Fred has always been synonymous with the idea of “home”. I have a literal lifetime of fond memories of Fred, but the overarching one I’ll cherish above all others is the good natured teasing I knew I was in for every time I saw him. It’s that special brand of wit that I’ll miss most of all. My deepest condolences to Greg, Monica, and your families. I loved your dad a lot, and the neighbourhood won’t be the same without him.

~ Jenn Berkelmans

I often thought ‘what made my friend Fred so approachable and likeable’. So many people liked Fred. Honest, hospitable, engaging, energetic, caring and not pretentious are all qualities that Fred had and that made him who he was. But I think one of his best qualities and the one that made people (especially men) gravitate to him was that people saw him as a safe harbour (veilige haven in het Nederlands). He accepted you on face value and welcomed you. He was inclusive! Be it a pastor or a crazy Irishman (gekke Ierse man in het Nederlands), you could talk to Fred, confide in him, and feel comfortable - including that what you said was confidential. On the Sunday after Nelly died, I remember being in Church and, upon hearing of Nelly’s death, my eyes teared up. On Monday after hearing from Monica, those same eyes once again teared up. As Herb said to me yesterday: “I am sure Fred has his gardening work set out for him where he is now!” Amen.

~ David Daugharty

My sincere sympathies to the de Groot Boersma and Ketelaars Family. I will never forget Fred's infectious laugh! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Elizabeth Bezzina Simpson and Family

~ Elizabeth Bezzina Simpson

i am so sorry for your loss; my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. He was a great man of God; he was a great father and grandfather. I have fond memories of him when i was little. He will be remembered. -Dianne VanderLeek

~ dianne vanderleek

Robin and I are so saddened to learn of the loss of such a loving attentive father. Even though we personally did not know him, we know how much he meant to Monica, her kids and his family, being such an active part of their lives. Our thoughts and hearts are with you during this difficult time. Sending much love and our deepest condolences❤

~ Brigitte Bolte & Robin Kuntz

Our sincere Condolences with the loss of Fred, we will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

~ John and Maria Reyers.

The first time I met Fred was many years ago when my father was putting in a Fish pond in the backyard, and Fred was there to help him with his expertise and helping hands, later on .... it was small chats at the Metro store shopping for his favorite dinner. I have fond memories of him. Always a smile on his face ..... Some people are beautiful gardeners of the soul, and he was such a man. May he rest in sweetest peace !! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

~ Mary-Lou Sabatine

Peace be with you Fred. Tony and Henny

~ Ton Engel

I'm the father of Steve Dozeman who is a neighbor to Fred. The first time I met Fred was about 3 yrs ago when Steve purchased a house near Fred and decided to 'rebuild' that house. I made a number of trips from Holland, MI to work on this house - and every time I was there - Fred was there. He was a joy to work with! His energy, his humor, his attitude and work ethic - it was a pleasure to be around him. The noon work luncheons at his home were filled with laughter and good times! The spicy soups and sandwiches were delicious! He had a generous and kind heart because he felt blessed. He was quick to lend a helping hand and most importantly - he loved Jesus. I feel blessed to have know him and pray for his family that they will experience God's peace in the days and weeks to come. Cal Dozeman

~ Cal Dozeman

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