Condolences
Tom (Duke) & Joy Simper
August 31, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and family. Uncle Gerrit will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His love of his family was always evident. Whenever I (Tom) had occasion to visit Calgary, I always felt welcome to spend as much time as I could with him and Carolyn. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak via FaceTime in the past few weeks. A chance to reconnect and share some memories.
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Rose & Dave Clay
Memories are treasures. Gerrit passionately tutoring us on proper Dutch pronunciation. Gerrit routinely enquiring on the health of our car, its latest servicing, or ready at a moment’s notice to hear about our next cycle trip. Gerrit clearly joyful at family events with his grandchildren surrounding him. Gerrit always eager to help on planning the next hiking trip, or, to recall past hikes to the hills and valleys visited not so long ago. Gerrit wanting to know about our last evening at the opera and pleased to share with us his latest classical CD discovery or recently acquired vintage VHS movie. Gerrit’s big laugh when something struck him as especially funny. Gerrit sizing me up with a draftsmen’s precision whenever Masten and I returned late from a climbing trip or came home slightly worse for wear.
It didn’t take long for Joanne and I to discover the gentle, caring side of Gerrit, the “softie” in him. We quickly felt comfortable with him and developed a close bond after knowing each other over many years - we shared a lot of common interests and values - there was an unspoken comfort between us at all times. We wish that we had been able to share more time in the mountains with Gerrit and Carolyn when they were hiking so many areas of the Rockies - those would have been special days.
He was a gentle soul - proud of his family and their accomplishments, touched by his loving wife and her gifts, and ever ready to share his love with those around him. We will miss him and, always, we will recollect fondly the time we shared with him.
-- Joanne and Mike Haden
Dear Carol,
We are so sorry for your loss. We’ve been so lucky to have you and Gerrit as neighbours for the past 30+ years. We’ll miss the chats with Gerrit over the fence and in the alley. Bruce and I have been reminiscing and he said “we had some pretty good political talks over the years” He had a good sense of humour and had alot of interesting stories to share with us. I was always so impressed with how active you both were going out on hikes, bike riding ect. Often I could see you two together from my kitchen window working in your beautiful yard.
Please let us know if you ever need any help with anything.
Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship.
Your neighbours Elaine and Bruce Callander
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