John Rozema handing a cheque to a scholarship recipient (Submitted Photo)John Rozema handing a cheque to a scholarship recipient (Submitted Photo)
Sarnia

Respected Sarnia businessman, philanthropist dies

A respected businessman and longtime Sarnia resident has died.

John Rozema was 87.

In 1963, Rozema and business partner Don Steeves founded Steeves and Rozema which now manages over 50 mixed-use properties including commercial, multi-residential, seniors-living and long-term care facilities. The company employs over 1,700 people throughout southwestern Ontario.

Known for his involvement in many charitable organizations, the philanthropist, in 2016, added $1.2 million to the existing Rozema Family Fund, the largest gift in the history of the Sarnia Community Foundation.

Rozema also served on the Sarnia Lambton Kent Goodwill Industries board, and was named to the Mayor's Honour List for 2017.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m to 7 p.m at Smith Funeral Home on London Line.

The funeral service for John Rozema will be held at Redemeer Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, November 24 at 11 a.m.

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