Berny Dykstra, a quiet man who loved the Lord and his family, died May 17. He was 80 years old.
Berny was born in Friesland, the Netherlands. After his family immigrated to the U.S., Berny worked on the family dairy farm while attending Lynden (Wash.) Christian School. Following high school, he served in the Marine Reserves for six years, then became a carpenter.
At 28, Berny accepted the call from the Lord to become a pastor. He studied for the ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary and Calvin Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1986 and served Peace Christian Reformed Church in Menno, S.D.; First CRC in Taber, Alta.; and Holland Center CRC in Lodgepole, S.D. In 2007 Berny and his wife, Vicky, retired to Nooksack, Wash.
He loved the outdoors, enjoying hiking, camping and fishing especially when he was able to do them with his family. An excellent carpenter, it is said that Berny could build just about anything. This extended to boatbuilding. He also had a “green thumb” and loved gardening.
Berny is survived by Vicky, his wife of 57 years; a son and daughter-in-law; and five grandchildren and their spouses.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
