Sjoerd Stewart Halbersma

Sjoerd Halbersma Obituary

Passed away suddenly on August 15, 2010 while vacationing on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Stewart was born to Dirk and Sjoukje Halbersma on March 2, 1939 in Ferwerd, The Netherlands and emigrated with his family to Alberta, Canada when he was 13. He moved to California in 1965 and was employed for several years by Greyhound as a bus driver. He then transferred to Golden Gate Transit where he was a driver for 30 years before retiring in 2002. After retirement, Stewart joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary and was honored to participate in their activities, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow auxiliary members. He took pleasure in being on the water and was proud that he had earned his coxswain certification so he could command his boat, Madeline, during USCG auxiliary patrols. Stewart exercised regularly, walking many miles in San Francisco during breaks at work and later at home in Sebastopol. He enjoyed fixing things and spending time on his computer, keeping in touch with friends and family. He delighted in his grandchildren and loved to make them breakfast wearing a chef's hat that proclaimed him "Papa, World's Best Pancake Maker". Stewart spent his last days enjoying his favorite activity, traveling with his wife in their travel trailer. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Stewart is survived by his wife of 49 years, Norma; daughters Alison Edwards (Roy) and Wendy Buchanan (Bernie); and grandchildren Tommy, Tyler, Wyatt, Madeline and Ellis. He was predeceased by his son Jeff. He also leaves his brother Gerrit Halbersma of Thailand, sister Jennie Beute, brother Richard Halbersma and nieces Stacey, Kim and Tamara, and nephew Justin, all of Alberta, Canada. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service celebrating Stewart's life on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. Memorial donations may be made to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 55, c/o Jeff Tuttle, 121 Paulsen Ln. Petaluma, CA 94952.

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Published by Press Democrat from Sep. 10 to Sep. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Sjoerd Halbersma

9 Entries

Gretchen Diekmann

September 5, 2024

Stu and friend Jim Diekmann enjoyed time together on Madeleine, at Lake Sonoma. They were a terrific complement as shipmates. Now they are sailing together again.

Guy Gillen

September 17, 2010

Stewart, I was a life long friend of your son Jeff and had many an opportunity to gain wisdom and advice from you throughout the past 30+ years. I witnessessed your graciousness and support to all your kids and how proud you were to be a grandparent. You will truly be missed by us all. What a pleasure it was to share time with you. I'm sure that the journey of your life here on Earth has led you to a reflective place of peace and happiness. Safe travels.

Gretchen Diekmann

September 17, 2010

Dear Norma and Family,
We are so sad that Stu is gone, he was a dear friend and wonderful man. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Gretchen Diekmann

September 17, 2010

We miss Stu very much and are glad that he has been part of our lives.

At Golden Gate Transit Retirees' breakfast 2009

Dominic Laguinto

September 11, 2010

Dominic Laguinto

September 11, 2010

To the Halbersma Family,
I was very saddened in learning of Stu's passing. I worked with him at Golden Gate Transit for 25+ yrs. and what I'll remember most about Stu was his great sense of humor (he was able to take it as well as dish it out) and his passion for boating. He will be missed by his GGT family as well.
My condolences. God bless.

Bob & Candace Watson

September 10, 2010

Dear Norma, Wendy and Family,

It was a shock this morning to read of Stewarts's passing. We are so sorry for your loss.

Both of us knew Stewart to be a kind, loving husband and dad who wanted the very best for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

James R. Monte

September 10, 2010

Dear Norma,
Sorry for all of our lost. Stewart was a great man and we will all miss him very much. I have worked with him at Golden Gate Transit for 28 years. I have learned a lot from him not only how to drive a bus but lots of how to do things the right way. From my family to yours, James Monte

Don Phelps

September 10, 2010

Your leadership and guidance, in the early years, at GGT, by me and many others, was greatly appreciated. It was good to know you, through the following years. Rest in Peace, my Friend.

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