Obituary of Peter Jan Leendert Dyksman

Peter was born and raised in The Hague, Netherlands where later, his son Shaun would spend his early years with his grandparents, Leendert and Antoinette Dijksman and his uncle Jan Dijksman. In 1956, Peter arrived in Canada at the age of eighteen as an immigrant from the Netherlands –‘just off the boat’ he would say. His first stop was Regina where ultimately Peter would reside for some fifty years. Interrupting those years spent here in Regina, Peter’s travels as a musician would take him to many parts of Europe, the Middle East and both Eastern and Western Canadian Provinces. The many influences he experienced both abroad and here in Canada added great dimension to his abilities and his reputation as a bassist grew rapidly. That rigorous course in his professional career later prompted Peter to return with his son to Regina where he continued to enjoy his career as a musician and where he, along with his wife Sharon, began his many-year commitment as a business owner of The Music Box and the Academy of Musical Education (later Long and McQuade Music ) in both Regina and Saskatoon. Peter served on the board of the Regina Jazz Society for several years and in 2004 he was the recipient of the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award. Over the past two decades Peter struggled with very difficult health issues. Under the care of his physicians, Dr. J. McHattie and Dr J.S. McMillan, Peter’s faith in God allowed him to live a very full life as a performer and significant contributor to the Regina business community. His leisure time was spent enjoying the beauty of this province, specifically at Regina Beach and more recently at Buena Vista. Peter’s health challenges never prevented him from having sincere relationships with all of his friends and among those who were members of his church family. For many years he contributed much to the music worship and other ministries at Hillsdale-Living Hope and Heritage Alliance Churches and served on several Christian Community event committees with significant years devoted to ‘ Alpha Ministry’ as an advisor and coach. Very recently Peter was diagnosed with an immediately threatening illness and with his wife Sharon and their son Shaun at his side, on Monday September the 23rd Peter passed into the presence of God. He is survived by his wife Sharon; his son and his wife Tricia; and his four grandchildren - Antoinette, Adrianna, Annika and Pekka Dyksman; his brother Jan Dijksman and his wife Will; plus many relatives from Saskatchewan, Holland and Britain. Peter was a consummate and loving husband and leader in his home, adored by his family and a ‘humble servant’ of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A Service in celebration of Peter’s life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 11:00 am at Heritage Alliance Church, 3575 Hillsdale Street, Regina with Pastor Cory Steinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Peter, to The Salvation Army, Division Headquarters, 2240 - 13th Avenue, Regina SK, S4P 3M7. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com