REITSMA, Douwe Jacobus “Dave”- Of St. Thomas, ON, age 89, born June 1, 1930 in Haarlem, The Netherlands, passed away at Elgin Manor on Monday, December 16, 2019, following a long battle with dementia. Husband of Gerda Johanna (née Kuiper) Reitsma for 63 years. Father of Eric Reitsma (Karen Sigurdson), Ingrid Skinner, Allan Reitsma (Sue), Wilco Reitsma (A.J. Ruvane), and Steven Reitsma (Mary). Grandfather of Adam Reitsma (Brittany), Natalie Willis, Shauna Douglas (Ron), Shayne Reitsma (Bri Duret), Caleigh McDonald (Justin), Ian Reitsma, Jacob Reitsma, and Ava Reitsma. Great grandfather of Lyla Willis and Kaidan Douglas. A brother, Gerard Reitsma predeceased him. Douwe “Dave” was a retired employee of Ford Motor Company of Canada’s St. Thomas Assembly Plant. He will be greatly missed as a cornerstone of the family. A life of experiences defined who Douwe “Dave” was, from the stories of his military experience with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, how his hands could turn wood into beautiful pieces of art, moving a family of six from The Netherlands to Canada in 1966 for a better life, decisions and actions that were selfless and to the betterment of his family. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the SIFTON FUNERAL HOME, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Sunday afternoon, December 29th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Flowers respectfully declined. Memorial donations to the MS Society of Canada will be gratefully acknowledged.