Dirk 'Rick' Dieleman
Posted Jan 2, 2025 | 10:36 AM
Rick Dieleman, 71, passed away peacefully at home on the farm on December 30, 2024 after living with cancer for three years. He faced his illness with the same incredible strength of will and grace that he lived his life by.
Rick was born on March 19, 1953 in Orangeville Ontario to Peter and Johanna Dieleman, the youngest sibling to Petrus (Narda), Audrey (late Jack), and predeceased by Dicky. Rick spent his early years developing a strong dislike of snakes in Belfountain, Ontario before moving with his parents in 1961 to his true home in Ravenna. He fell in love with the region as he spent his younger years hiking through the bush with his dog, chasing streams, building life-long friendships, and farming with his father. He started his own farming operation in his late teens, renting and rebuilding a neighbour’s barn to raise pigs.
He married Darlene in October of 1976 after connecting over a bushel of apples. They became steadfast partners standing side-by-side, creating a life-long relationship built on unshakable trust, respect, and intentionally choosing each other each day. Together they grew the farm into a successful dairy operation while welcoming their four children Carolynne (Matthew), Colleen (Markus), Daniel (Krystal), and Catherine (Michael). Family was Rick’s foundation, and he took great joy in his nieces and nephews, as well as his inlaws and ‘outlaws’.
This love extended beyond borders, as he valued every opportunity he had to visit his family in the Netherlands and welcomed their visits with open arms. In recent years he cherished spending time with his eight grandchildren through trips to the barn as well as sharing wisdom and laughter around the kitchen table. Throughout his life Rick lived his faith and values through acts of kindness, no matter how unconventional. He was a joyful giver creating space at the breakfast table for family, friends, and those finding their way.
Rick had a rare gift for making everyone around him feel truly loved and seen. He had a knack for capturing the quirks and stories of his family and friends and weaving them into songs and skits with humour and heart. He was hardworking and steadfast, providing a moral compass, and a safe place to land for those he loved — all with humility.
In honour of Rick’s generous spirit and love for others his family kindly asks for donations to be made to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, a place close to his heart. They also invite everyone to honour Rick’s legacy by doing an act of kindness no matter how unusual or unexpected.
Family will receive friends for visitation at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4 until 8 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Clarksburg on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 12 noon.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
- First Name : Rick
- Last Name : Dieleman
- Funeral Home : Ferguson Funeral Home, Meaford
- URL : https://fergusonfuneralhomes.ca/obituary/3999/
