Obituary of Mark Gerry Okkema

Mark Gerry Okkema

December 31, 1954 - August 4, 2024

In his 70^th year, after a tenacious 15-year battle with prostate cancer, Mark went home to his Lord. At diagnosis, he was given 3 to 10 years to live, and he considered the bonus years a gift of grace. During his final years, he poured himself into personal spiritual transformation, his church, and his children, becoming to them a cherished friend, advisor and confidante.

Mark was born in Chatham, Ontario to Oege (Orval) and Ann Okkema, immigrants from Friesland in The Netherlands, who owned a Dutch bakery. Bakery helper was Mark’s first job, which spurred him to continue his education, because his true love was books. He attended Dordt and Calvin Universities, graduating with double majors in philosophy and English. Pursuing a love of art, he then studied philosophical aesthetics at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto.

Mark’s work history was varied and eclectic: editor, executive assistant, manufacturing company manager, and, with his younger son, business owner.

Mark had a magnificent mind. He was able to absorb, analyze and synthesize prodigious amounts of information. His extensive library attested to his insatiable curiosity—he was interested in, and knew something about, almost everything.

Mark was a man of deep and questing faith. After years of searching, he finally found his spiritual home in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and became a loved and respected founding member of Christ the Saviour Antiochian Orthodox Church in Waterloo.

Mark truly fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. We know he will be praying from the other side for his beloved wife of 49 years, Susan, for his children, Doran and Tati, Brynn and Jeremy, Arend and Jamie, grandchildren Lazarus, Oden, Olivia (with Jesus) and Willem (on the way), step-grandsons Aramis and Lyric, son-in-law Tory, his mother, Ann, sister and brother-in-law, Tilda and Ed, and brother, Ray. Also for his Damon in-laws: Chuck and Ruth, Janet and John, Paul and Dawn, along with uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord!

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 7-9 pm with Trisagion Prayers at 7:30 pm.  The funeral service will be held at Christ the Saviour Antiochian Orthodox Church, 96 Dunbar Road S., Waterloo on Saturday, August 10 at 11:00 am with Father Christopher Rigden-Briscall officiating.  Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Church Building Fund may be arranged at www.erbgood.com