Dirk Koningen was born on March 1, 1941 in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands to Dirk and Jacoba Koningen. He was the first of two children. Dirk’s family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1957 when Dirk was 16 years old. In 1959, Dirk joined the Canadian Army as a Rifleman and was adjudged the Best Recruit in 70 Platoon. He continued serving with the Canadian Army for five years, both in Canada and Continental Europe, before being Honourably Released in 1964. Dirk completed his education upon his return and began work for General Electric in Toronto when a co-worker introduced him to his future wife Elaine (Ostapowich) in 1967. On August 3, 1968 Dirk and Elaine were married, and one year later they moved to Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, Elaine’s hometown. Dirk and Elaine were blessed with two children: a son, Shawn, and a daughter, Shana. The proud parents raised their children between Foam Lake, Saskatchewan and Lethbridge, Alberta, where Dirk worked in the bulk fuel, grain dryer, and transport industries. Both Dirk and Elaine retired early and in April 2007 they moved back to Foam Lake. Their retirement was far from dull as they enjoyed a busy social calendar until Elaine’s illness caught up with her in 2012 and she passed away in 2013. Dirk remained in Foam Lake for two and a half years after Elaine’s passing before moving to Airdrie in October 2015 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Dirk had his own struggle with illness, battling leukemia after being diagnosed on October 2012. He passed away suddenly, but peacefully, in the evening hours of June 28, 2016. Dirk was predeceased by his wife, Elaine, and both of his parents, Dirk and Jacoba Koningen. Dirk leaves to celebrate his life: his son Shawn (Carolyn) of Calgary, his Daughter Shana (Craig) and Grand-Daughters Amy and Brianna of Airdrie, his brother Rene (Kathey) and his four nephews, one niece, and their families of Caledon East, Ontario, Elaine’s family of Foam Lake and Saskatoon, and numerous other family and friends, far too many to count. A Memorial Service for Dirk will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2016 Chapel of Narfason's Foam Lake, SK Interment at the Foam Lake Cemetery Lunch & Fellowship to follow at the Foam Lake Legion Hall