Obituary of Dick Nywening

Peacefully, at home with his beloved family at his side.  Derk Jan "Dick" Nywening of Strathroy, Ontario at the age of 76.  Lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Willy (Timmerman) and his children Elizabeth (Carac) and their children, Gabriel, Christian, Catherine and Pippa; Jenny (Dennis) and their children Will and Charlotte; Arden (Mel) and their children Ella and Emma and Derek (Meredith).  Survived by his brother John Nywening and his sister Sylvia DeSchiffart.

Predeceased by his parents Arend and Grietje Nywening, his sisters Jenny VanderVecht and Alma Nywening

Dick spent his entire life making a difference for his family, his friends and his community.  He was a founding member of Westmount Christian Reformed Church and has worked tirelessly in many roles.  He and his father owned and operated Nywening's Bakery and then Restaurant in Strathroy before beginning a career in real estate.  He was committed to excellence in everything he did.

Above all else, Dick cherished his family while living a life of service to his church and to his community. In 1977, at the age of 34, he was one of the youngest Canadians to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to the community

Nothing made Dick happier than having his family and friends seated around the dining room table.  The kitchen was his domain and his favourite room in the house where he blessed many people with his food, wisdom and wit.

He enjoyed his time on the Strathroy Hospital Board, the Police Services Board and was a leader in Strathroy municipal politics for many years.  He was mayor of Strathroy for three consecutive terms, all the while continuing his dedication to his family and along with Willy, maintaining their beautiful homes on Front Street and Mill Pond Crescent.  He enjoyed gardening and keeping his lawn and flowerbeds meticulously maintained for his beloved grandkids and poodles.  Dick and Willy made many wonderful memories while travelling the world together.  Especially memorable were their trips to Kenya in support of Hekima Place where they volunteered their time and he served on the board of directors.  For many years and until recently, Dick served at the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospitality Centre (Soup Kitchen) in London, a testament to his lifelong service to those in need.  During the last year, he also enjoyed his work at the Mission Thrift Store in London.

There are no words to express how much we appreciate the love we have been shown, especially by our friends, family and Dr. Buma.  While there will be a hole in our hearts and in our home, we celebrate all that he was and all that he did and we are thankful that he now rests in the arms of the God he loved.

Visitation will be held at DENNING'S OF STRATHROY but due to Covid 19 restrictions, capacity is limited.  Please click on the below link to schedule your time to visit. https://signup.com/go/kbJPOPA

A celebration of Dick's life will take place at Westmount Christian Reformed Church and you are welcome to participate by signing up with the following link https://signup.com/go/HALJYAo or by viewing from home, online at https://www.facebook.com/denningfuneral/

If desired, memorial contributions to the Hekima Place or the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospitality Centre in London as your expression of sympathy.  Share a memory at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com  519 245-1023

Isaiah 40:31

"Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, fly on wings like eagles;  they shall run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."