Peter Dirk Zylstra

Fortunate to have spent nearly ninety years filled with adventure, love and family, Peter passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17th, 2026, surrounded by his family at the Glebe Centre in Ottawa.

Beloved husband of Moira. Devoted father of Carla (Ward), Dirk (Marie-Claude), Fiona and Rod (Lori-Ann). Cherished grandfather of Stewart, Quinn, Callum, Lucas and Flora. Fondly remembered by family in the Netherlands, the United States and here at home in Canada.

Born in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) just prior to World War II, he survived a brutal Japanese internment camp as a boy, and the resilience he gained there carried him through life. A love of the sea led him to study shipbuilding and shaped his art. He was a gifted artist, though he never accepted praise for it. As a young man, he worked on ships and crossed the Atlantic many times. Then, in a bold move, he emigrated to Montreal. There he met Moira, his Scottish lass, and later seeking greater opportunity they moved the family to Ottawa in the early days of Trudeau-mania. In the Nation’s Capital, he began a career that lasted over forty years working for the federal government as an economist.

Having known hardship and loss as a child, he built a life centred around family. His joys were unhurried ones: long car trips, reading, art, travel and history. He dared to be himself. In the words of his favourite poem, Rudyard Kipling’s “If,” he could “walk with Kings, nor lose the common touch.” He was, in every way, the man that poem asks a son to become. This proud Frisian will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8th, 2026, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Tubman Funeral Homes, 403 Richmond Road, Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be greatly appreciated (https://alzheimersocietyinmemoriam.crowdchange.ca/page/peter-zylstra)

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Glebe Centre for their compassionate care.