Eelco Wiersma (28 Sep 1957 - 27 Apr 2015)

Eelco Wiersma started life in Holland, cycling and loving life growing up with the rolling stones, boots, long hair and his passion for motorbikes. A keen sportsman he was a fantastic semi-professional baseball player who went to England to tour with his team. He quickly returned to experience true love with his late wife Iris Wiersma. He took on two wonderful boys, treating them as his own; the late Christopher and Matthew Shorter also loved him like a father. They both got fell in complete love they decided to marry. Eelco had a great passion for his faith but only became a christian 3 days before the wedding day. He wrote wonderful vows to Iris, but most importantly he felt it right to make a vow to the brothers who he would take under his wing. They planned to have a baby together and soon enough Hannah, 19 years old now, was born into the family. He was a committed father and husband growing in faith together as a family and helping others come to faith. Having various jobs in England he worked for Pecan, The Charter School, Sydenham Girls school and many others. He supported many many charities but the one close to his heart was St. Christophers. Sadly his late wife Iris died of cancer around 7 years ago. She had a long battle with cancer, however Eelco stood by her side and looked after her and he family throughout the difficult time that she was ill and there on after. St. Christophers Hospice helped near the end of Iris's life, helping with care so Eelco could continue working and looking after Hannah. Years further down the line Eelco was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain cancer. He had surgery and recovered remarkably well, he remained on aa course of chemo and this started to look up. Unfortunately it came back so a second operation was needed, it gave him a big knock but Eelco fought hard against the strong force of cancer for another 4 1/2 months, but his body just couldn't take it. St. Christophers stepped in and looked after him in the last month of his life, making sure he was comfortable and not in pain so that he could pass away peacefully. He had a full and prosperous life. He truly enjoyed and celebrated his life all the time, and thanked God for what he was given. His family strongly believe he is in a better place rejoicing and dancing, with Iris, Matthew and Christopher in heaven with his Lord Jesus Christ.

We would like to give donations in Eelco's name to St. Christophers hospice who have helped the family so much through many years of turbulence and still help the family after their sad losses.