Passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 78. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Doreen (née Rogers), and his children Julie Shaw (Trevor), Heidi Keyzer (Doug Amell), and Angela Lougheed (Dan). Cherished grandfather of Caelan, Kira, and Kada Shaw; Sage, Devon, and Drew Amell; Brooke and Madelyn Lougheed. Predeceased by his parents Aart in 2014 and Nellie Keyzer in 2015, Maarten leaves behind his three younger siblings, Ria Bardeau and her partner Steve Quinn, Gary Keyzer, Tina Gray, as well as many nieces and nephews who remember him fondly. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Tim Bardeau.
Born in Voorburg, Netherlands, Maarten immigrated to Canada in 1954 and later settled in the Meaford area. A skilled carpenter and dedicated farmer, he was known for his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. He served as an Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church for more than 30 years. His Christian values were reflected in his quiet and humble demeanor and in the way he lived his life.
In 2004, Maarten and Doreen built their dream home on the family acreage on Grey Road 12. Maarten was happiest working outdoors in his gardens and tinkering in his shop. He loved snowshoeing through the bush on their property, always carrying his loppers to clear the path for Doreen as he went, much as he did for her and their girls throughout his life.
A service celebrating Maarten’s life will be conducted at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11 o’clock, with visiting the hour prior to service. A private service of committal and inurnment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Grey Bruce Hospice (Chapman House) or Knox Presbyterian Church (cheques only please) would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
