Theodorus (Ted) Tiemessen

Inside the quiet, calm and compassionate walls of Algonquin Grace Hospice, this amazing Dutchman passed away peacefully.
Ted was born in Didam, Holland, moved to Canada in the early 1970s with his best friend Henk, and began a rich and varied career. He was a builder, a printer, a creative artisan, and a farmer. He was a twin, a husband, a father, an Opa and a friend. Ted was practical, pragmatic, frugal and always ready to stand in support of issues that were dear to his beliefs and his heart.
Ted’s two and a half year health battle was fought with courage. Deemed a “medical miracle,” he defied all odds and overcame hurdles many could never even begin to imagine. Yet, in all of this, Ted asked that we not put him on a pedestal. Ever realistic and with a courage few may know, he led his life on a simple principle. “Think of what you do here and now and how it will affect another.”
Ted is survived by his wife, Jane McCutcheon, his brother Frans (Liesbeth), predeceased by his twin sister Riny (Jan), predeceased by his brother Bert (Elly). Ted is the proud father of Alana (Sean) and Greg (Lisa); proud Opa of Claire, William and Owen; and proud uncle of Danielle (Frank), great niece Fleur and great nephew Sem.
Thanks to Jeannie Tiemessen and Louise Wilson for your compassion and support.
Special thanks to Drs. Harrold, MacMillan, Johnstone, Jindal, Rhee, Fiorotto, Small, Gerard, Muccilli, Cusimano, and Mahendira, and to each of your amazing teams of healthcare professionals. Additional thanks to Muskoka Paramedic Services and Canadian Blood Services.
Finally, deepest thanks to Ted’s lifelong friend, Dr. Malcolm Wilson. You championed Ted every step of his journey.
Ted requested no formal celebration of life, and his request will be honoured. In the weeks and months to come, we will find ways to gather and remember this beautiful man with an indomitable spirit.
Donations to The Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Algonquin Grace Hospice, or Kids in Camp will help keep Ted’s memory alive.

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