Herman GERRITSEN

GERRITSEN, Hermanus Johannes Hendrikus
July 29, 1932 – Deventer, Netherlands
February 5, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta
Herman beloved husband of the late Jackie Gerritsen (nee Duimel) of Calgary, AB, passed away on February 5, 2018 at the age of 85 years.
Herman was born in Deventer, Holland into a large extended family. Dad waited until his family immigrated to Canada to meet the love of his life Jackie and they were married in June of 1957. Sadly, she passed in 1976 so Herman raised their seven children on his own. Dad especially loved to be surrounded by his family.
Dad and his family endured many trials during WWII but always found a way to triumph. Upon immigrating to Canada in 1951, the family's first job was on a sugar beet farm in Taber. From Spring of 1952 to December of 1953, Dad worked as a carpenter around Southern Alberta. In January 1954, he started as Jr. draftsmen at P. Burns & Co. in Calgary where he worked until 1964. From 1964-66 he was an industrial draftsman for T. Lamb McManus. In 1966, he started at Molson Western Breweries where he stayed and worked his way up to Chief Draftsmen/Sr. Industrial designer, retiring in 1991. This is where he earned his moniker "Herman Molson". It was one of the ways the family could distinguish between so many "Hermans".
Dad started playing soccer on a community team as a boy of ten and stayed in the sport in one form or another until he was 80. Dad was an active referee until he was 79 years old. He enjoyed going to his children's and later grandchildren's sporting events. He even mentored some into refereeing soccer. He was the choir director at Holy Trinity Church for many years and loved singing. He was a past grand knight for the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed sailing, travelling, fishing and going for drives in the country.
Herman is survived by his children: son David (Lavonne) Gerritsen, son Paul Gerritsen, daughter Theresa Gerritsen, daughter Mary (Joe) Lovasz, daughter Loretta (Ted) Bendinelli, daughter Anita (Martin) Clement, and son Steven and (Theresa) Gerritsen; twelve grandchildren, Brandon (Lisa) Gerritsen, Jason Clement, Adam (Marie) Lovasz, Ashley (David) Spitznagel, Brittany (Andrew) Peck, Sean Gerritsen, Michelle (Justin) Hardy; Dane Gerritsen, Cassandra (Lucas) Lovasz, Devyn (Jordan) Bendinelli, Matthew (Clare) Bendinelli and Bodhi Gerritsen; and four great-grandchildren, Davey Gerritsen, Avery Hardy, Aubrey Strilchuk, and Emma Spitznagel. Herman is also survived by his siblings Doris (Gerry) Sheilan, Anne Touw, Sr. Ria Gerritsen, Hedy (Gerard) Luijkx, Albert Gerritsen, John (Eileen) Gerritsen, Frank (Carol) Gerritsen, Ben (Jan) Gerritsen, and Paul Gerritsen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Herman was predeceased by his sister Joyce Reilander; brother in-law John Touw; and sister-in-law Ella Gerritsen.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (1414 Shawnessy Boulevard S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1. Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca or to Father Lacombe Care Centre Foundation, Father Lacombe Providence Care Centre's healing garden, 270 Providence BV S.E. Calgary, AB T2X 0V6. Tel: 587-393-1353, www.flccfoundation.ca Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Herman Gerritsen, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.