Josta (Visschers) Tryon

Josta Tryon (nee Visschers)

Nov. 16, 1923 – Feb. 05, 2020  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josta Tryon. She achieved the notable age of 96.  Born in Deventer Holland,  the only child of parents Evert Jan and Jenneke Visschers. She endured the depression years as a child, and was 16 years old when the Nazis occupied Holland in 1940. Her family was part of the resistance with Josta risking her life several times on missions for the Dutch underground.  

 Among the soldiers who liberated Deventer on April 11, 1945 was her future husband Thomas Charles Tryon of French Creek. They became friends but went their separate ways. Josta was employed by the Dutch foreign service and spent a few years in Indonesia as an archivist. Through correspondence from Canada to Indonesia, Josta and Tom eventually married in Canada in June of 1949. Life in French Creek on a dairy farm was a definite contrast to her previous life.

But with the resilience Josta has shown all her life, she immersed herself in her role as partner to Tom and mother to her sons. Over the years in the Parksville area, she was active in the community. She was a founding member of the District 69 Historical Society in 1976.

Josta provided amazing baked goods for her family and friends. Her homemade soup and baked bread nourished many physically and spiritually. Her pursuits included bridge, knitting, needlepoint and gardening. Idle time was filled by a passion for reading. She will be missed by all.

Predeceased by her husband  Thomas Charles Tryon in 1987, she is survived by her three sons Thomas (Margaret), Peter (Meryl), and John (Lana).

Josta leaves behind her 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and two greatgreat grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada or the BC Children’s Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held in July.