“Everyday I wake up is a good day”
On Sunday February 28, 2021, surrounded by his family at home, we said goodbye to our gentle giant. Felix lost his valiant fight against pancreatic cancer, at the age of 61. His proudest accomplishment in life, the thing he never wanted to leave was his family. Beloved husband of Christine (Dietrich) Gysemans of 40 years. Proud and loving father of Kyle and his wife Sue Meteer, and Katlin and her husband Greg Sumner. His favourite one of all, his granddaughter Everly. Felix leaves behind best friend Keven Kellett (Deb & Liam). Brother and brother in-law of Alex Gysemans & Patricia Adams, Nancy & John Van Dooren, Irene & Ron Schelfhault, Albert & Alie Gysemans, Rita & Mark Clapton, Paula & Bill Rosser, Frank & Dianne Dietrich, Mary & Craig Corman, Jane Dietrich, and Hugh & Krista Dietrich. Felix will be missed by many nieces & nephews & great nieces and nephews including little buddies Hudson & Ava. Predeceased by parents Frank Gysemans (1983) & Anna (van de Laer) Gysemans (2005), brother John (1977) sister Jackie (2020) and infant brothers Marcel (1952), and Marcel (1953). Also father-in-law Hubert Dietrich (2012) & mother-in-law Joan (Regier) Dietrich (2012).
Felix loved to collect antiques, fish and golf. He was a craftsman and could build anything out of wood with the most beautiful details. Felix was a very hard worker, and through his illness continued to show his strength. He fought so hard during his diagnosis, never giving up and amazed those around him. Felix was a long time employee of North Pole Trim & Supplies Ltd. and leaves behind many friendships from his work.
The family would especially like to thank Mary & Craig, Stacey, Darryl, Laura & families for their help on the property up north; his biggest dream coming true. Felix received tremendous support from his oncology team at London Regional Cancer Clinic as well as the Paramed nurses that supported him through his journey to keep him home with those he loved most.
Keeping with Felix’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Lucan (519-227-4211).
Donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation – The Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Julie Marr
Chris and Family
We were saddened to hear the news of Felix’s passing. Take comfort in your memories. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Dave, Julie, Ryan and Andy (Marr)
Joanne Boland
Dear Christine and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. I remember him from high school as such a kind and open person. You have my heartfelt condolences.
Joanne Boland
Lois Goudie
Christine sorry to hear of Felix passing! Rest In Peace
Lois Goudie (St. Joes)
Fred and Aileen Knip
Chris and family
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred and Aileen Knip
Jim & Julie Brintnell
Dear Chris and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences in Felix’s passing.
What a great fun loving guy!
Such an infectious smile and sense of humour. Witty and funny … a huge smile and a boisterous laugh you could hear a mile away. Qualities that made him a pleasure to be around.
Sadly missed, fondly remembered.
Kind regards, Jim & Julie
Ann & Michael Croft
We are saddened for your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Mike /Ann Croft
Dear Christine and family,
We were sadden to hear about the death of Felix. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our heart felt condolences.
Aunt Ann & Uncle Mike
Graem and Anne Meteer
Chris, Kyle and Sue, Katlin, Greg and Everly
We were so sad to hear of Felix’s passing, losing his courageous fight to live and stay with his beloved family. We hope that the many happy memories of your “gentle giant” will sustain you in the coming days.
You are much in our thoughts.
Chris and Sarah Dahl
Chris, Kyle, Sue, Katlin, Greg and Everly
We were so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. Felix was kind, thoughtful and always willing to offer help when needed. Uncle Felix held a special place in our hearts. We will miss him dearly. Love, Chris, Sarah, Carter, Madelyn, Sydney and Grayson
Peter Ballam.
Dear Chris and kids. It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this. The big guy has left a void in my heart that will take awhile to heal. From working with him in the retirement home at North Pole to golfing together to driving to Thunder Bay for work, we had a great relationship and so many great memories and laughs. He will be truly missed. Stay strong and safe. All our love, Brenda and Peter.
Dale & Maureen Regier
Chris, Kyle, Katlin and all your family,….Please know that we are thinking of you all. We are sending prayers and hugs. Sincerely, our deepest sympathy.
xo
Dale,Maureen, Katelyn and William
Liam
The gysmans where as much a part of my life growing up as my parents where. If we where not at their place they where at ours.
Nutsy (Felix) i have always looked up to, And held on a podium only 2nd to my father. One of the best men I knew or ever will.
I only had my early years before I moved to Nova Scotia but made memories worth that of a lifetime.
Over the 20 years of being On the east coast the gysman family is one of the few things if any that I still miss about Ontario.
This for me is a stiff reminder of just how short life really is. I was privileged to know Felix and he will be forever in my mind.
RIP Nutsy. I love ya man.
Bob and Anne Pincombe
Dear Gysemans and Dietrick Families,
Sending condolences at this most difficult time and keeping you in our thoughts.
Jean Cook
To Chris and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Felix’s passing and send my sincerest condolences.
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
Dear Chris and family,
We are so sorry for your loss, and send our deepest condolences. Hoping the many treasured memories and the deep love you have known, for your husband, father and grandfather, allow you some smiles and comfort through your tears.
Wishing you peace and continued strength.
We also pass along our condolences to the extended Gysemans and Dietrich families, as you too, mourn the loss of a beloved brother and brother in law.
Derek and Lori Regier
Chris and family
We are so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. We hope your wonderful memories will help you in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tony Vanderhoek
Tony
Christine & family
So sorry to hear of Felix passing
From high school I remember he made friends with everyone
Dearest condolences
Tony Vanderhoek &
Caroline Rasenberg
Linda Lussier
So sorry for your loss
Times like this are very difficult but keep the memories alive
He was a wonderful person and I will miss him
The Webb Family
Chris, Kyle, Sue, Katlin, Greg and Everly,
We are thinking of you all, remembering the special man Uncle Felix was and the fond memories that we will hold close to our hearts. Lots of love and hugs to you always.
Laura, Dan, Ashton, Carter and Riley
Michael Toivonen
To the Gysemans Family.
So sorry for your loss, he was taken way too early.
Paying our respects to an all around great guy. He will be remembered as an honest, hard working, funny, and caring person. He was a great mentor to me and anyone who worked with him. From day to day work to golf tournaments to Christmas parties, he will always be part of many good memories.
Mike and Sue Toivonen
Grace Rollings
K&C Renovations/Clarke & Grace Rollings
Felix was our representative from North Pole for quite a few years. It was always a pleasure working with him on various projects. Kaitlin & Greg and the rest of the family our sincere condolences at this sad time. Treasure your many memories.
Dave & Michelle Traher
Dear Katlin & Family
Sending our deepest condolences to all of you during your time of grieving. May your fond memories continue to provide comfort during the difficult days ahead.
– The Trahers
Phil and Mary Agnes Hall
So sad to hear about Felix’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob Brintnell
Chris, and family,
Sending our condolences so sorry for the loss of Felix. Treasure all of his memories keeping them close in your heart.
Rob and Sandi Brintnell
Leroy and Jane Siddall
Our sincere condolences to all.
Brian Sue and Nathan Corman
Thinking of you with heavy hearts at this time. Our Deepest Sympathy.
Doug and Joanne Latta
Chris
Condolences to you and your family. We have some great memories of Felix. He always made us laugh.
Keep that laughter in your heart and smile everytime you think of him.
Sending lots of hugs.
Wayne Worrall
I will always remember his sense of humor as well as his hearty laugh . Felix and I worked together for many years at North Pole Trim . He was very proud of all the family and will be forever in your hearts .
Joe Regier
Sorry to hear about your loss. Uncle Joe Regier and his Family.
Eric and Sandra Toivonen
The smile on Felix’s face while holding his granddaughter, Wow! That says so much about the big man.
It was always a pleasure working with someone that really cared about what he did and what people thought of him.
Our condolences to Chris and the rest of the family. Felix is missed. He leaves big shoes to fill.
Bob Evans
Chris & family, I am so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. I did not know that he was unwell. My times with Felix were few & far between but I knew what a kind & gentle soul he was & with such a great smile. I know that you have a loving & caring family that will support you in the days & months ahead. Take care. Bob
Eli Chebib
My condolences to you and your family. God bless.
Kevin Fidler
I was sorry to hear that Felix had passed. When I worked inside the store at North Pole, I always enjoyed when he came into the shop as he would usually have a few funny comments or a story to tell. I’ve been covering his old Sarnia-Lambton County loop for quite a few years now. And people still ask about him regularly. And not just the trim related people. Brick layers, drywall tapers… people of all trades. We will all miss The Big Dude.
Nancy Cordell
My sincere condolences to you & your family as you grieve the loss of husband & dad. May you know and feel the kindness & love of those who care about you & may the wonderful memories somehow help you face each new tomorrow.
Hugs Nancy & Rob Cordell
Brenda and Fred Smith
Chris and Family
So sorry to read of your loss
Always keep the good times close to your heart Hugs
Dave & Susan Regier
Chris and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. We have such good memories of conversations at the many Regier gatherings over the years. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. Dave & Sue
Ron and Louise Vanderhoek
Chris, Kyle, Katlin and family
We’re so sorry to hear about Felix. Please know that we are thinking of you, and praying for you to find peace in this sad time.
Rita and Jim Thorne
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Christine and your family in this time of grief.
Willa Entwistle
Chris and Family,
My sincere sympathy. May the many happy memories you shared with Felix give you comfort and strength.
Irene & Ron
Chris, Kyle, Sue, Katlin, Greg, Everly
Felix was a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. He was also a greatly loved brother and brother-in-law to us. We have many fond memories of him that we will keep forever. It is so sad that left us far too early. However the determination and strength he demonstrated over the past years was truly amazing. He will always be in our hearts.
Irene & Ron
Craig & Mary
Chris, Kyle, Sue, Katlin, Greg & Everly
Our sincere condolences to you for your loss of a wonderful man that loved his family. We will cherish the great times spent on many road trips, golfing, camping, islands, east coast and the north. The laughter shared are memories that will remain in our hearts forever.
Craig & Mary
Roy & Mary Jane van Kasteren
Felix was a character, made an impression wherever he went. I have fond memories of Felix in high school and at his job at North Pole Trim. We are sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by his family and friends. We offer our heartfelt condolences.
Nancy Dickenson
To Chris and family,
A special loved one gone too soon. Praying for the Lord to surround you with His comfort and peace during this time of sadness and mourning.
John & Mary Walls
Katlin, Greg and families;
Thinking of you at this sad time.
Jason Botosan
To Chris and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Felix for nearly 30 years and will always remember his good nature and laughter. My thoughts and condolences are with you at this time. He will be missed.
Linda Upcott(Hodgins)
So sorry to have of your loss. Our condolences to your family
Jaela Jenken
Chris, Katlin and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort.
Jaela Jenken & boys
Steve and Maryann Rosser & family
Chris, Katlin, Kyle and families
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
May your memories help you through this difficult time
Eugene & Theresa Glavin
So sorry to hear of Felix passing, Our sincere condolences.
Rodger Moran
My deepest condolences on Felix’s passing. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Lynn and Charlie Fortner
Chris and family, Charlie and I are so very sorry to hear about Felix’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Treasure the good memories!
Tim & Margot Dietrich
Dear Chris and Family:
We are saddened and truly sorry to learn of Felix’s passing. We hope your wonderful memories will help with your healing. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Tim and Margot Dietrich
Halifax, NS
Dan Regier & Patti Schwartz
Christine and Family
Please accept our condolences for the passing of Felix.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Dan Regier & Patti Schwartz
Paula Vanderburgh
Thinking of you all as you mourn the loss of Felix. Sending you strength and comfort.
Sincerely,
Dave, Paula, Declan & Lincoln
Alice Dietrich
Dear Chris and all the cousins.
So sad to hear the news about Felix. I only have fondest memories.
Wishing you and your family peace.
Sincere and deepest sympathies from our family.
Alice, Paul , James and Will
Tina and Alec Sumner
Chris, Kyle and Sue, Katlin, Greg and Everly.
We are so sorry for your loss. Words aren’t adequate at a time like this.
Our hearts ache for you all. Hugs.
Lorcan Donohoe
Chris, sorry to hear about Felix .Thinking
of you in this difficult time
Sandy Mcmanus
Chris and family
So sorry to hear about Felix. My sincere condolences
John Hedley
Chris, Katlin, Kyle and families
We are so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. We have lasting memories of all of the fun times we enjoyed together through our many years at North Pole Trim. He was truly a gentle giant and will be greatly missed.
John and Lisa Hedley
Chuck Balazs
Dear Christine and family, so very sorry to hear about Felix’s passing. He was always a pleasure to talk with at family functions. May he Rest In Peace. Uncle Chuck, Aunt Angela, Rebecca, Mike and Bill.
Jeff, Sue & Jake Johnson
We are so very sorry to hear of Felix’s passing…
So many fond memories of a great man!
Please accept our deepest condolences
Don & Irene Wilmot
Chris so sorry to hear about Felix . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Sorry to hear of Felix’s passing cherish the great memories
Joe and Mary Koricina
Sorry to hear about the loss of Felix. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Debbie Heffernan
So sorry to hear of Felix passing, Christine, Kyle and Katlin and families.
Our sincere condolences.
Debbie Heffernan
Marsha Miles
Katlin and Greg we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. Lloyd and Marsha Miles and Family
Bill and Paula
Chris, Kyle and Sue, Katlin, Greg and Everly
We have so many fond memories of Felix. He was such a kind, gentle soul that would be there to help whenever he could. An extremely hard working man with positive traits that are far too many to mention. Our hearts goes out to all of you. Felix will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Colin and Lindsay Perry
To Chris, Kyle and Sue, Katlin and Greg,
Our sincere condolences to you. Felix will be remembered as a kind gentle giant. He could put a smile on anyone’s face with his fast wit. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Jeff Holmes
We are so sorry for your loss. Felix was an amazing gentleman and will be missed.
Jeff, Vicki and Eli
Sarah Vargas
Chris, Katlin, Kyle and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing, we send all of our love as you navigate this difficult time.
We feel so fortunate to have known Felix, he truly was an incredible person who will be missed so much.
With Love,
The Vargas Family
Nancy Flanigan
Our Sincere Condolences
The Staff at Excel Pharmacy
Val and Darryl
To Chris, Kyle and Sue, Katlin and Greg,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Felix’s passing and our hearts ache for the pain you are all feeling. We will remember him as a funny, kind and generous man with a big smile and a lending hand. His courage and determination were remarkable. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times. Much love to you all.
Tom Davis
So sorry to hear of Felix’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Connie Van Bussel
I am so sorry to hear of Felix’s passing. My condolences to you Christine and the entire family.
Dale Cook
Christine, Kyle ,Katlin and family :
So very sorry to hear of Felix’s passing, my sincere condolences to you all
Fran Urbshott
Our condolences to the Gysemans family at this sad time.
Brian & Fran Urbshott
Jane Dietrich
Truly a gentle man, always willing to help and generous to a fault. He leaves a large void in our lives but not in his hearts. Jane, Madison, Dawson and Carter.
Allison Lindsay
I have so many memories spending time with Chris and Felix playing with Katie and Kyle. I will cherish those memories and keep them close to my heart. Felix was an amazing man, Father and Friend to my family. I remember the day he let us kids turn the old bird coop into a play house he sat and fed us ideas on the possibility’s and even installed a phone line. Felix will be missed dearly.