John Bylsma
January 24, 2026
John Bylsma, April 10, 1954 – January 24, 2026, was called home unexpectedly but peacefully at the age of 71, surrounded by the love of his family at University Hospital in London.
John was the devoted husband of Ruby Bylsma, whom he married on May 17, 1974, in London, Ontario. Together, they shared over 50 years of marriage; building a life rooted in faith, hard work, and a deep commitment to family. After beginning their married life in London, they moved to Huron County, where they raised their family and farmed part-time. Later, they settled on a beautiful farm property on Eight Mile Road north of London, where John joyfully entered retirement; cash cropping, caring for the property, and “harvesting the sun.”
John was a proud and loving father to Mark and Kristen (Gleiser) Bylsma of St. George — parents to Grace, Hannah, and Eva; David and Tiffany (Doucette) Bylsma of Clinton — parents to Triniti and Elly; Rachel and Jeremy Koetsier of St. Thomas — parents to Caden, Owen, and Ethan; Beth and Brent Medd of Brantford — parents to Mason, Mylie, and Connor; Matthew and Marsha Bylsma of Hensall — parents to Ruby, Mallory, Callie, and James; and Becky and Brad Stephenson of Seaforth — parents to Case, Ryder, Jett, and Sloane.
John was predeceased by his parents, Wobbe and Pietje Bylsma; his in-laws, Ludder and Yke Dykstra; his beloved granddaughter, Angela Bylsma-Moffat; and his brother-in-law, Gerald Toonk.
He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Teresa and Jim Brand, Auke and Chris Bylsma, Wibbina Toonk, Anne and Terry Kaastra, Cory and John Kuipers, and Pat and Dave Brodie, as well as many extended family members. He will also be remembered by his in-laws, Jack and Greta Dykstra, Cathy and Allan Heeg, Linda Acker, and Will and Verna Dykstra, and several nieces and nephews.
A true family man, John worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved. He spent 36 years as a welder at GM/General Dynamics in London, commuting daily from Huron County while continuing to farm part-time. In his later working years, he became a welding instructor at General Dynamics, generously sharing his skills and knowledge with others. John retired in 2016. John’s faith was a steady and guiding presence throughout his life. His family takes comfort in the truth reflected in John’s favourite song, He Knows My Name: “I have a father, He formed my heart, before even time began, my life was in his hands. He knows my name, He knows my every thought, He sees each tear that falls, and hears me when I call.”
In retirement, John found joy riding his Honda Goldwing with Ruby, travelling together and making memories. He delighted in making connections with people, striking up conversations wherever he went, and enjoyed what he fondly called “playing Dutch bingo”—discovering shared family names, hometowns, or connections along the way. At home, he could often be found working on his Ransomes, hunting for good deals on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, or tending the land he loved. Above all, John cherished his role as Pake—giving endless golf-cart rides, cheering from the sidelines, and taking genuine delight in every stage of his grandchildren’s lives. John will be remembered for his steadfast love, his work ethic, his quick humour, and his unwavering devotion to family and faith. He leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness that will continue through generations.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Northview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest City Community Church – East Campus, 716 Classic Drive, London.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in memory of John.
Leave a tribute for John Bylsma
Leave a tribute
Dear Ruby and family: We are saddened and shocked at the loss of John. Know that we are thinking of you and sending prayers during this difficult time. You have our deepest sympathy - Nancy and Bill Klomps
Ruby and the Bylsma Family, My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather and brother. Many years since I have seen John after you moved from Huron County. Cherish your memories to help you through this sad time in your lives. Sincerely, Helen Lyons
Ruby, children and grandchildren: We were saddened to hear of John's passing. Our sincere sympathies to all of you in this difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers. John and Cory and the rest of his siblings: We wish to extend our sympathies to all of you as well. We have many fond memories of John. Take comfort in your memories as you move forward. Our prayers are with you.
We were saddened to hear of John's passing. We would like to express our sincere sympathies to Ruby, children and grandchildren. Also to all of John's siblings. We have many fond memories of John growing up with my brother John. My Mom really enjoyed John and Ruby's visits in her later years. Take comfort in your memories. We will keep you in our prayers.
Teresa, Cory and all of the Bylsma families, I want to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear brother. I am sure there are lots of memories, cherish them. Thinking of you. Helen Johnston
Our condolences with the loss of your loving Husband, Father, Pakke and family. Our haert and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult time. We all knew John as a loving man with a big haert to everyone he could get to know.
Het is moeilijk de juiste woorden te vinden die troost geven. Maar oprechte gedachten van medeleven gaan naar jullie uit. Heel veel sterkte met het verlies van je man, jullie vader en pake.
Dear Dave, Pat & your family, Sorry to hear of your brother John. Thinking of you and sending sincere sympathy to you.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to Dave and family.
When Brian and I heard of Mr Bylsma’s passing we were so heartbroken. We have such fond memories of being at Rachel’s farm through our teen years. The Bylsma’s always welcomed us all with open arms and open hearts. Rachel’s home felt like a second home to me (Melinda) at times. When I (Melinda) was going through a horrific time as a teen, Rachel’s parents were such a support and offered such wisdom and comfort. The Bylsma family will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are so sorry for all of you, but especially Ruby. Such a tremendous loss of a larger than life presence.
RIP John 🙏
Our sincere sympathy to the Bylsma family.
SO SORRY RUBY FOR YOUR LOSS OF JOHN WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WILL MISS HIM AND YOUR RIDE ON THE MOTORCYLCLE. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISS AT OUR ROAD PARTY. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME
Saddened to hear of John's passing. Our sincere sympathy to the Bylsma family. We will carry John's caring ways forever in our hearts.
John you had a heart of pure gold. I will so miss us getting together, riding out in the sun on a summers day. Gathering at a restaurant for lunch. The best part was sitting at the table, the 6 of us holding hands and you giving thanks for the meal. We will continue to honor you in that way John. Prayers. You will be incredibly missed by so many.
Sending love and prayers ❤️
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I met John through my body shop and we eventually became Facebook friends and routinely commented on each other’s posts over the years. We had a lot of things in common like harvesting the sun and enjoying the open road . RIP John
Our Condolences to Ruby and all the family. Jake and Janet Peters
Our sincere condolences and prayers to Ruby and all her family. Truly a wonderful gentleman and. He will be missed Lyle and Cathi
Services for John Bylsma
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
January 28, 2026 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
January 28, 2026 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Forest City Community Bible Church
East Campus
716 Classic Drive,
London, Ontario
January 29, 2026 11:00 am
Additional Service information
To join the live streaming of John’s Celebration of Life, please follow the link below.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Ruth & I were very sad to have heard of John passed away. I had met John when he was welding inspector at LAV when it was still under GMD,London. John was always seen,laughing and joking with different ones in LAV, as well as giving advice on how to improve their skills. John is now before his Saviour,Jesus Christ,where he will be there for Eternity.
~ Tom & Ruth Richardson