July 7, 2026
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Elzo Tenyenhuis of Kincardine died peacefully in hospice, surrounded by family singing hymns and praying over him, July 2, 2026, at the age of 70. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April.
Born Sept. 23, 1955, in the Netherlands, he was the youngest of eight children. At the age of three, he immigrated to Canada with his family, settling in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
He attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he met his wife of 47 years, Marijke (née Plaisier). He later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and Bachelor of Education from Brock University. Together, Elzo and Marijke made their home in Sarnia, where they raised their two daughters, Jeannette (Daniel Moes) and Elizabeth (Kevin Hoekzema).
After a career in teaching, Elzo graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree and pastored churches in Hamilton and Kincardine.
Beloved brother of John (June), Elsina (Frank Radsma), Lainey Rozema, and Gretha (John Hutten). He was predeceased by his siblings, Lammert (Barb), Gerry (May), Seita and Clarence VanderHeide; and brother-in-law, John Rozema.
Deeply loved by Marijke’s family. Beloved son-in-law of Piet Plaisier (Ineke), and brother-in-law of Peggy and Marv DeVries, Mike and Helen Plaisier, Yvonne and Sam Linton, and Henriette and Mark Price.
Elzo often spoke of how blessed he was by his family. He was a loving father to Jeannette and Daniel Moes, and Elizabeth and Kevin Hoekzema. He was a proud and delighted grandfather to Hudson, Isabella, Hart, Adele, John, Ford, Miller, and Dutch. He also loved his many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
His heart belonged to his best friend and dear wife, Marijke. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with the richness of laughter, adventure, and love.
Elzo will be remembered by family, friends, and neighbours for his hospitality, willingness to help, ability to listen and connect, humour, curiosity, and integrity. He held a strong faith in Jesus throughout his life; and through life’s hardships, he chose hope and remained open to God’s work in him. He faced this final battle with pancreatic cancer with courage, grace, and steadfast confidence in his heavenly Saviour. In these last months, Elzo showed us what a life fully surrendered to God could look like, and it was beautiful.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at The Harbour Church, 249 Bruce Avenue, Kincardine.
The funeral will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11 a.m., at The Harbour Church, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton; arrangements entrusted to the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine; www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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