In Loving Memory of

Michael Justin Hiemstra

of Edmonton, Alberta
Sep 14, 2024

 

 

Dear John, Shirley and Family, I did not know Michael, but what a beautiful, detailed picture I get of him from your heartfelt and poignant remembrance of him. I wish I had known him. He clearly had such gifts and love for creation, for deep thinking and for so much else. I envision him "before the face of God", where his tears are now washed away. My heart goes out to you all; may the God of peace give you comfort and courage in the midst of your grief.
posted by Mark Vander Vennen : Friend and colleague of John : Oct 16, 2024

 

John and Shirley and family, It is difficult to comprehend the pain you must be experiencing as you deal with Michael's death. Thank you for composing such a sensitive, loving and honest obituary. Michael clearly had many gifts and a deep love for creation with which he blessed you and others who knew him. We pray that your community will rally around you, especially this weekend at the celebration of Michael's life. May God surround you with grace and love as you go through this difficult time. We pray for grace and peace in your lives. Harry and Hilda Fernhout
posted by Harry and Hilda Fernhout : Friends : Oct 15, 2024

 

As a friend, Michael was always kind and always genuine. He was also one of the funniest people I?ve ever known. We had many philosophical discussions into the late hours during the year we overlapped at King?s, and he had a way of asking the most interesting and thought-provoking questions. Many of us in our friend group were also students of John?s, and Michael always seemed proud that his Dad was such a beloved professor of ours, and never minded when discussions would turn to what we were learning about in class with Dr. Hiemstra - rather, he seemed to think it was pretty cool. It has been many years since I saw Mike, but I have always and will always look back on our friendship with such fondness. He was such a beautiful and gentle person, and his smile was just the very best. Sending my deepest condolences.
posted by Geneva Orton : A friend from King?s : Oct 11, 2024

 

My heartfelt condolences to you Shirley, John and family on the passing of your beloved son, Michael. Know he is at peace and has found comfort with the creator and the angels.
posted by Margie Golmour : Shirley is a teammate of mine on Breast Friends Dragon Boat Racing team. : Oct 02, 2024

 

I am very sorry to learn of the death of your son. My sincere condolences . My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerely, Durk De Jong
posted by DURK DE JONG : Affiliation through King's University. : Oct 01, 2024

 

We offer our condolences to you, John and Shirley and family. What unimaginable suffering you all have been going through. This is not the end; our gracious, loving God is holding Michael until you meet again in peace.
posted by Herm and Grace Stolte : friends of John and Shirley : Sep 30, 2024

 

With deepest condolences for the passing of Michael you are all in our prayers. May the Lord Our Father be with you in this time of grief Love Ryan & Carla
posted by Ryan and Carla Kranenborg : First cousins son : Sep 29, 2024

 

Oh John and Shirley, I am so sorry to hear about Michael's death. What a difficult journey you are on. My deepest condolences. I like to picture Michael now before the face of God, experiencing joy and peace.
posted by Wendy Abma : I know John and Shirley from when they lived in Calgary. I did some volunteer work with CPJ which has had a lasting effect on my life. Shirley helped me immensely when I had my first child, by inviting me over and showing me that life would eventually calm down and become a new normal. : Sep 27, 2024

 

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of peace give you all comfort at this time
posted by Dick and Jennie Lyzenga : Friend of parents : Sep 27, 2024

 

On behalf of Breast Friends Dragon Boat Racing team, I offer convey condolences to Shirley and John and family on your unimaginable loss. Shirley, Breast Friends recognizes how important family has always been to you and so we are heartsick for you as you deal with the death of Michael. Know that your team is eager to support you and carry you in this time of grieving.
posted by Sharon DeMoor : Shirley has been a valued member of Breast Friends Dragon Boat Racing team since 2006. : Sep 27, 2024

 

Words cannot even begin to express the sorrow I felt reading this. Praying you feel God?s loving grace and peace in the days to come.
posted by Karen Van Harten : Friends from college days : Sep 25, 2024