Okke Bouma

BOUMA, Okke – November 13, 1931 - January 12, 2017

"For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide to the end" - Psalm 48:14

On the 12th of January, 2017 at Grace Manor, Brampton, Ontario Okke slipped peacefully into Heaven, in his 86th year, after a brave 11 year struggle with Alzheimer's.

Okke is survived by his wife of 63 years Nita (nee Optendress) and his children Anne and Bert Langendyk, Roger and Laura Bouma, Teresa and Ronald Buschman, and Caroline and Richard Morsink. Okke was a much loved Pake to 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Beloved brother to Marie deBoer (Peter) and Ray Bouma (Clara). Predeceased by sisters Akke Talsma (Marten), Jantje Vandermeer (Wietse), Gerrie Vandergoot (Ted), and Fenny Geertsma (Marten), and his brothers Joe Bouma (Martha), and Frank Bouma (Inke).

Okke was born in Makkum, Friesland on November 13th, 1931. He joined his family and immigrated to Canada in 1951. His childhood sweetheart Nita followed in 1952 and they married in 1953. Known as "Augie" to his colleagues, he had a successful 35 year career with General Motors taking him and his family from Oshawa to Montreal and then back to Oshawa, before retiring in 1988. Okke loved to serve. He was a founding member of Emmanuel Christian School in Montreal, a frequent church elder, a willing volunteer in seniors' housing, street ministry, and anywhere that he could help.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday January 24th between 7 – 9 pm at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa.

A second visitation will be held on Wednesday January 25th, at Zion Church, 409 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa from 12noon,followed by A Celebration of Okke's Life beginning at 1pm. Burial then at Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gate 316 or The Refuge, causes which were dear to Okke's heart. Donations can be made at the funeral home or online by using the "Place a Donation Option" on the web page.