Thomas Dykstra, 86, passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids on February 10th. Tom graduated from Calvin University and the University Illinois with a PhD in organic chemistry. He spent most of his married life with his wife, Lois, in Rochester, New York. He worked in the research labs and in management at Eastman Kodak company. Tom had many outside interests He loved the church, music, sports, and travel. He directed the choir at Rochester Christian Reformed Church for many years, served on the school board of Rochester Christian School and the Board of Publications of the Christian Reformed Church. Tom was an avid woodworker. Once, when asked to describe his life, Tom answered the question in terms of that passion. "Consider Tom to be a piece of raw timber, hewn from God's woodlot on May 9, 1935. For 86 years the Master Carpenter worked through family, friends, teachers, pastors, and co-workers to shape and smooth him into something useful and presentable. And yet there still were rough edges and slivers to be gained if rubbed against the grain. But, now, finally, he is to be conformed to his Maker. And in such congruence, there is pure, everlasting Joy." Tom is survived by his daughter Linda (Peter) Jonker of Grand Rapids, his beloved grandchildren Katherine, Patrick and Abby, and a dear cousin Meridell (Vince) Gracias, along with many loved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Lois (with whom he shared 62 years of laughter and joy) his son, Bryan and his daughter, Susan. A service of celebration will be held on Monday, February 28 at 1:00 PM at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will occur at the church an hour before the service. The service will be livestreamed at Lagrave.org/funerals. Memorial contributions can be made to the Susan and Bryan Dykstra Scholarships at Calvin University, or the Zuni Christian Mission.