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
Julia Verbrugge
Dan Sumner
I knew Ton only from working with him, intensely at times, as a consulting expert on one of later WTO cases. Even in such a limited context, I learned quickly he was smart, capable and effective. More important, I learned just as quickly that he was a fine person. Considerate, understanding, helpful, and full of enjoyment of work and life. In high-pressure situation he was the source of calm and strength. It was truly a joy to work with Ton and to spend time with him informally. He will be missed by many around the world who had the chance to know him.
Thea Lascaris-Fopma and Gerard Lascaris
We are sorry for your loss of Ton. I am a niece of Ton. The last time we met Ton and Karin was in Toronto 10 years ago. We traveled with our own motor home from Ushuaia South America to Alaska and from there cross Canada to Halifax. We stayed two days with Karin and Ton and the dog. We wish Karin and the family strength the coming days and weeks.
Nadia Bourély
I was saddened to hear about Ton's passing. I have fond memories of working with Ton when I first joined the Trade Law Bureau, his mentorship, positive outlook on life and kindness. Mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille et tous ses proches.
Lesley-Ann Reed
I was so very sorry to hear the news of Ton's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him in the Trade Law division over twenty years ago and he was a kind and deeply knowledgeable mentor. He was very generous with his time and his advice. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Greg Somers
Deeply saddened by Ton's passing. As one of his graduate students in EU law, and later a colleague in WTO advocacy, Ton's thoughtful guidance, personal warmth, acuity and insightful interventions give him an honoured place in our memories.
Jamie Bigras
Dear Caroline and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Jamie
Nadia Theodore
I am so sad to hear of Ton's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and mentor to me throughout the years during our work together on trade negotiations. Even following his retirement, he continued to provide me with kind and wise advice and guidance. He will be fondly remembered by many. My deepest condolences to all who loved him.
I was so sorry to hear of Ton's passing - my condolences to the family. He was wonderfully kind and patient with us non-lawyers who worked on cases with him. Ton and I also had fun sharing together our Dutch heritage and our daughters named Annika/Anneke.