June 11, 1968 – March 11, 2021
The family of Richard Sietzema is heartbroken to share that Richard passed away March 11, 2021 at the age of 52 after a 6 month battle with cancer. Richard was born in Surhuisterveen, Friesland, The Netherlands and with his parents and two older brothers immigrated to Canada in July, 1981 near Tilley then 9 months later they settled on a small farm near Rosemary, Alberta. In 1990, the family moved to their dairy farm northwest of Olds, Alberta.
Over the years, Richard had many different types of jobs and life experiences – working on a dairy in Holland for a few months, working on a dairy in New Zealand for a year where he also toured Australia for a few weeks (including giving bungee jumping a try). He worked on many types of farms and even a short stint working for a bee keeper. He travelled to Europe a number of times as well as the Caribbean, Mexico and the USA.
Starting the Canadian Hay & Silage business in 2006 was his biggest undertaking. He had an incredible knack for business and truly enjoyed working with his customers. Richard and his wife Linda began dating in 1993 and were married July 8, 1995. Richard was then met with a true test when he broke his back on August 2, 1995. This did not slow him down as he was back in the tractor the next spring, back brace and all.
They moved to their farm near Bowden in March of 2002. When his daughter Chelsey was born in 2001, and his twins, son Dale and daughter Payton in 2004, he took his role as “dad” very seriously. They were first and foremost in his daily life. “Family comes first” was his core. Through his business, his personal relationships and his family, he inspired us all to be hardworking and to never give up when obstacles are put in your path. He coached soccer, basketball and even a 3 on 3 hockey tournament over the years and attended every game or competition he could of any sport his children were involved in. He was an amazing example of perseverance and determination. He showed us anything is possible.
Richard is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Sietzema; daughter Chelsey, son Dale and daughter Payton; parents Hidzer and Faye Sietzema; brother Sietze (Klazien), nephews Dillon (Courtney) and Jesse (Breanna); brother Menno (Marjolein); father and mother-in-law Murray (Diane) Arbuckle; brother-in-law Kevin (Shannon) Arbuckle, nephew Rylan and niece Nicole; sister-in-law Julie Gustafson (Bud), nephews Hunter and Colt.
Richard was also blessed to have extended family that meant so much to him and of course some amazing friends that he thought the world of. In keeping with Covid 19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd, Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
