It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ybele (Abel) Mathieu Paul Koster on May 30th, 2026 at the age of 78.

He was born November 14th 1947 in the town of Brunssum in the Netherlands to his parents Ybele Koster and Anna-Maria Boels, and his older brothers John and Ted. Together they immigrated to Canada in 1952, where Ybele grew up among the marshes and farmland of Bradford Ontario.

At 18, Ybele joined the Ontario Provincial Police, where he proudly served for over a decade. Through the O.P.P. he developed a love of motorcycling and even served as part of an outreach program to Japan. He was sent to Osaka, Japan for Expo’70. It was an experience that he would remember fondly for the rest of his life. He explored a whole new culture, joined a Japanese motorcycle club, and most importantly, met his future wife Nancy Pickering, who was working as a host for the expo.

Back in Canada, Ybele and Nancy were married in 1973, and they settled back in Ontario. After leaving the OPP, Ybele embarked on a varied, jack of all trades, career that included everything from honey production to computer repair. He was also a passionate gardener, artist, sailor, carpenter, and he loved science and technology. He was a renaissance man that passed on his curiosity, his wilfulness, and his empathy to his three children; Tristan, Alexandra and Valenda.

Ybele will be mourned by his wife, his brothers, his three children, and despite his best efforts sometimes, a great many friends.

A service will be held July 28th at 11am at the funeral home of Forrest and Taylor in Sutton, Ontario. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the York Region Alzheimer Society here.