Peter Aaldyk

On the morning of October 7, 2025, our father, Peter Aaldyk, passed away peacefully. He leaves behind a legacy woven with faith, family, adventure, vision, and a deep abiding love for others.

Our family is deeply grateful for the final month of his life, a time when others could continue to visit, share memories, and celebrate him. Even as his health gently declined he remained positive, repeatedly saying, “Thank you!” In a testament to the vibrant soul we all knew and loved, he continued to engage others with sincerity, offer encouragement, and share his steadfast faith. The staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre were remarkable. A special thanks to Dr. Teferi and the staff on Med 3 and Med 4 for their compassionate care.

Peter was born April 13, 1932, in Schiedam, Holland, to Adrianus Aaldijk and Petronella Wittebol. Growing up during World War II left an impact on Dad. He carried vivid memories of that time that shaped his resilience, desire for peace, and a deep sense of purpose. His love for Holland and his family continued, even as his journey took him far from home.

As a young man, Dad hitchhiked across Europe, which eventually led him to employment at a shipyard in Sweden. In 1957, he continued the adventure and immigrated to Canada, following an ad for a metalworker in Kitimat, British Columbia. Meaningful connections led him to a profound turning point — a personal commitment to Jesus — that would become the cornerstone of his life. In 1959, encouraged by friends, he enrolled in the Christian Training Institute in Edmonton, Alberta, to pursue theological studies. It was there he met his first wife, our mother, Irmgard Kutrieb (d. 1986). Together, they began a life of ministry with the North American Baptist Conference, serving Indigenous communities in Central Alberta from 1963 to 1970. With four young children, Dad and Mom accepted the call to pastor at Whiteshell Baptist Church, making River Hills, Manitoba, their new home.

Dad was a hands-on, project-driven man, a jack-of-all-trades, with a heart for service. He became Camp Director at Camp Nutimik in 1976, where the family lived and worked faithfully for 17 years. As a family, we continue to return to the camp, which bears witness to Dad’s vision and dedication. It was here that he made many valuable connections and friendships.

In the summer of 1986, Dad met Susan Krier, a guest speaker at the children’s camp. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They married on June 13, 1987. Together, they continued their service at Camp Nutimik and then their ministry in Nigeria, Africa, from 1993 to 1997. This chapter was marked by courage and shared purpose.

After returning to Canada, Dad and Sue settled in River Hills. Retirement was never idle for Dad. He filled it with lists of ongoing projects, travel to visit family in the United States and Holland, and time with family in Manitoba and Alberta. Dad and Sue remained active members of Whiteshell Baptist Church, where his faith and love for community were evident.

In his final days, Dad reflected: “God granted me a rich and full life”. When a grandchild asked what he thought of all the visitors coming to the hospital, he replied, “I am so grateful, since I can thank them in person for their years of meaningful friendship.” The number of visitors demonstrated to us the connection of community in his life. He was always ready to help anyone, and his generosity touched many. Dad treasured relationships; his life was a testament to service, faith, and love. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

He will be missed by his wife Susan; daughter Miriam Neufeld (Michael) and their children Katelin (Jeremy), Andrew, and Evan (Sarah); daughter Mary-Anna Aaldyk-Doerksen (Garth) and their children Emily-Ann (Ian), Madeleine, and Aaron; daughter Margret; son Mark and his children Ashley, Ben, and Ellie; and daughter Monika Aaldyk-Holstein (Berkeley) and their children Leighton, Aurora, and Quintin; his siblings, An Nauman-Aaldijk, Bep Vroon-Aaldijk, and Dick Aaldijk (Ellie); his brother-in-law Wilson Krier (Beth); and many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his first wife Irmgard, twin sister Miep Wolbrink-Aaldijk (Jaap), brother Rob Aaldijk (Anne), sister Aad Boekenstein-Aaldijk (Laan) and brothers in-law Teun Nauman and Coen Vroon.

A viewing will be held at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour on Friday, October 17th, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. A celebration of Dad’s faith and life will be held at Whiteshell Baptist Church in Seven Sisters Falls, Saturday, October 18th, at 3:00 pm. 

Link to the livestream is https://youtube.com/live/UqqQ4Kaa8bc?feature=share

In Dad’s memory, donations can be made to Camp Nutimik, Box 35040, RPO Henderson, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4J9 or email info@campnutimik.com.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com