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Gerrit DeWIT Obituary
June 14, 1930 - January 29, 2014
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father and Opa. Jerry was surrounded by loving family, at Lion's Gate Hospital after a short battle with cancer. He lived a full and active life, and leaves behind many family members and friends who grieve at the loss of his love and passion for life. Jerry is survived by his loving partner Margriet Evans; his children Sherry van den Bosch (Ad), Audrey DeWit (Dan Mody), Peggy Ostermeier (Rick) and Len DeWit (Shelley); Margaret Burrowes his first wife and mother of his children; and fifteen grandchildren Bas, Jeroen, Anna, Esther, Rebekka, Alisha, Skyla (John), Maryke, Faridae, Jacqueline (Dave), Danielle (Luke), Ryan, Steve, Sabrina, and Cassidy, and two great-grandchildren Harrison and Maeby. Jerry was fortunate to visit his family in the Netherlands weeks before his passing. He is remembered with love by his siblings Eki, Truus (Hans), Rina, Wim (Coby) and sister-in-law Janny. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Gerritje van Doorn and Leendert Johan de Wit, his wife Esther DeWit, and his siblings Barend, Jaap, Frans and Bep. Jerry was born and lived in Oudewater, the Netherlands and also in Edmonton, St. Albert, Victoria, Prince George and Vancouver. He contributed to the community wherever he lived, being involved in his church, in youth activities and many other worthy endeavours, such as the boards of the hospital and symphony in Prince George and as a long-time director for Mercy Ships. He was instrumental in initiating the Prince George Remembrance Day and Vancouver May 4 commemorations of the liberation of the Netherlands in WWII. Many tulips will continue to bloom annually through his initiative. Family and friends will Celebrate his Life on Thursday, February 6 at 2:00 PM at First Christian Reformed Church, 2760 Victoria Drive, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mercy Ship or your charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
9 Entries
Albert van der Heide
February 25, 2014
Our condolences and sympathies to Margriet and Gerry's family. Be assured that his tireless efforts for the memory of the fallen in the Netherlands, as expressed in the memorials in early May, were much appreciated by the local Dutch community and their friends.
Elizabeth Zook
February 6, 2014
Gerry became a friend, especially after he married my good friend Esther. I came to appreciate him for his strong Christian faith, his love of his homeland and his adopted country of Canada. He worked hard to make PG a better place and I will always think of him when I see the tulips at City Hall. My favourite mind picture of him is with Esther on a motorcycle. It will always make me smile. Rest well Gerry. May the angels carry you to your rest.
Mike Hoyer
February 3, 2014
Gerry and I used to go out for lunch regularly, both in Prince George and Vancouver, as we immigrated to YVR about the same time. He'd share things about his family, his hopes, his faith, his aspirations. Always a project on the go. Lately a flame in his life. I was happy for him. He shared the cancer with me, I had promised to visit after Christmas (and his return home) but it never occurred. I have only met Esther; the rest of the family are unknown to me. I wish them God's peace and blessings at this time.
John and Gwen Reimer
February 3, 2014
We have great memories of Jerry and his wife Esther. They had a Bed and Breakfast here in town and gave us good advice when we began our B & B.
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Judy Polkinhorn
February 3, 2014
I shall remember Gerry with great fondness. He was hugely supportive on my visits to MS Canada from the MS UK office. My sympathy and prayers at this time go to his family and friends
John Sneep
February 2, 2014
It was with much sadness that I learned that my good friend and fellow Christian, Jerry, had passed away. Jerry and I became friends shortly after I met him at First Christian Reformed Church. He was the first to welcome my wife and I to First and he invited me to go for coffee as there were "things" he wanted to discuss with me. That first coffee break turned into a regular lunch together where we shared a lot of the things, including health issues, that we had in common. Jerry was a loving, caring, good natured and thoughtful man and his faith in Christ was at the centre of his life. He was devoted to his family and to Margriet. I too will surely miss him.
Tom Shand
February 2, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was a very good person - one of those fine people who made PG a good community and place to live. My thoughts are with you.
Robert O'Connor
February 1, 2014
On January the 22nd 2014 I received a voice mail from my old and dear friend Jerry.
Jerry struggled to speak gasping for breath every few words.
Here are the last few words of his call:
…please say a prayer for me, I really do need it. Thank you, thank you brother.
I of course immediatley interceded before the throne of Grace.
I called him later to tell him I had done what he asked me to-do. He thanked me.
Jerry and I go back some thirty years. He a life insurance agent me a business man. We had so much in common, the key being our Christian faith. I a Catholic, Jerry a protestant. However this did not drive a wedge between us, as we both knew we are members of the body of Christ.
Farewell my good friend until we meet again in the kingdom of God.
Eternal rest Grant unto him O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon him
May he rest in peace. Amen
Robert O'Connor
Debbie Noble
February 1, 2014
A good friend and loving man,you will be sadly missed.
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