A.J.M. (Ton) Zuijdwijk, LL.M., M.I.A., S.J.D.
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Ton Zuijdwijk, a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a loyal friend and a dedicated academic. Ton passed on October 16, 2025, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity and love.
Ton is survived by his wife, Karen Coupland; his children from his first marriage, Anneke Zuijdwijk (Eric Knight) and Caroline Zuijdwijk (Ruwan Jayasuriya); his grandchildren, Olivia and Penelope Knight and Savi and Vian Jayasuriya; his step-children, Kristen Coupland (David Moore) and Jason Coupland; his step-grandchildren James Moore and Aidan Moore; and his sister Anneke (Ruud Von Tol) who lives in the Netherlands. He was predeceased by his younger brother Jan (Annette) who died in the Netherlands on November 17, 2024.
Ton was born on February 9, 1946 and grew up in The Hague. From an early age he was an avid student of world politics and history. Ton had Master of Law degrees from the University of Leiden (Netherlands) and Columbia University (NYC). He received his Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D) from the University of Toronto.
In the early years of his career, he taught law at the University of Leiden and McGill University. This was followed by a long and distinguished career in international trade law at the Government of Canada where he conducted trade litigation before the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland. He also participated in negotiations on many of Canada’s Free Trade Agreements. Ton had a deep commitment to and respect for the established rules of international law, which provide the norms for not only economic relations and but also human rights.
Throughout most of Ton’s career he taught the course in European Union Law at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. After his retirement from the Public Service in 2017 he also taught the course in International Trade Law for several years. Ton loved teaching and had planned to teach the EU Law course one last time in the fall of 2025 before illness befell him.
His many trips to Geneva during his career were almost always combined with a few days in the Netherlands visiting with his sister and brother and their respective families. This helped to bridge the distance between them and allowed them to maintain close ties through the years.
Ton was especially proud of his two girls, Anneke and Caroline and their respective families. Getting together with them was one of his greatest joys in life. Ton’s illness brought the whole family together in a manner that has strengthened the family relationships not only here in Canada, but also with his family in Netherlands. This is the gift that Ton has left us all.
Funeral will be held in the Sacred Space at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services on October 23, 2025 at 10:00 am. Reception will follow.
Digital Guestbook
Jaco Zuijdwijk
Anita Kuijpers
With sincere sympathy. We wish you all strength.🙏🏻❤️Michel en Anita Kuijpers-van Daalen de Jel
John Ross
Sad news. I remember with gratitude Ton's endless patience in guiding a non-lawyer through the intricacies of trade law, the WTO process and his willingness to try different ways of doing things. He was a difference maker and Canada is poorer for his loss..
Robert (Bob) Publicover
Ton was a much respected colleague who was liked by all who were privileged to work with him. He will be missed.
Daphne Gilbert
Ton was a valued and important member of our Faculty at the University of Ottawa Law School. He is deeply missed by his colleagues and former students.
Peter Splinter
You touched the lives of many a student as a teacher and many a work colleague as a kind and knowledgeable gentleman who made the office a much nicer place to be. I will long remember you fondly, initially as a teacher and later as a colleague and a friend. Rest in peace Ton.
Maria Linhares de Sousa
A wonderful fellow meditator for too short a time. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his loved ones left behind. May the wonderful memories you have of Ton sustain you now and into the future.
Roland Legault
Ton was genuine, caring, brilliant and so many other things that make a great public servant and wonderful human being. I carry happy memories of working with him at the beginning of my career, and learning from his example. My deepest condolences to his family.
Kevin Thompson
Such extraordinarily sad news. I have fond memories of working with Ton on WTO litigation. He was always such a patient, understanding soul. After his retirement, I would often see him in the neighbourhood walking his dog. He remained curious, interested and interesting, appearing to live life to the fullest. An inspiration for all. Kevin
Christine Ayoub
So very sorry to hear about Ton's passing. I had the privilege of working with him for many years at the Trade Law Bureau where he was always so kind, friendly, and a true mentor. I will always remember his warm personality and amazing, welcoming smile. May he rest in eternal peace.
Gecondoleerd met het overlijden van Ton.
Ton was mijn ouste neef van de familie Zuijdwijk. Wens de naaste heel veel stekte