Obituary of Gerrit Klaas BROLSMA

May 4, 1935 – Eindhoven, The Netherlands
August 21, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Gerrit Klaas Brolsma, passed peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2020 at the age of 85 years.

Born in the Netherlands prior to the onset of World War II, Gerrit’s early childhood was neither easy nor typical. In 1948, he immigrated with his parents, Doeke and Aaltje (nee Kuiphof) and sister, Wytske (“Winnie”) arriving first to Nemiskam, Alberta. Soon afterwards, the family moved to Calgary where Gerrit attended high school and held his first part time job – a job which instilled a solid work ethic yet also taught the value of friendship and humor. Many of his best-loved stories and witty phrases are a playful tribute to his first boss, who fondly called him “Dutchy boy”.

After completing his education as a draftsman, Gerrit traveled by boat to various destinations enroute to Australia. He worked there for a short time before returning to Calgary where he continued his career, met his wife and raised a family, and cultivated his hobbies and interests.

Pursuits which satisfied Gerrit’s desire to keep the “grey cells” active included staying current of geo-political events, and above all, his faith. Listening to classical music was a treasured pastime, his collection Gerrit’s most prized possession. He was an avid hiker and cross-country skier, often leading the pack while enjoying trails in Kananaskis Country and the Canadian Rockies. Conversations with family, friends or complete strangers were readily sparked by Gerrit’s enthusiasm for anything with wheels.

Gerrit was reserved and had little interest in small talk, so what he did say carried weight. He will be remembered as a loyal and good neighbor. Nurturing relationships, leading by example and keeping “peace in the family” were among Gerrit’s top priorities. A proud, family-oriented man, Gerrit was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He sought out and relished opportunities to connect with his wife, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren (cheekily referred to as “Precious” and the “leeches”) all of whom continue to feel enriched and comforted by his love and devotion.

Gerrit is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (nee Messenger); his sons, Masten (Diane), Marke (Shelley); his daughter Jennifer; and grand-children, Jessica, Emilie, Tegan, Liam, Althea and Maggie.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerrit’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alberta Wilderness Association (https://albertawilderness.ca), Prostate Cancer Canada (https://www.prostatecancer.ca) or The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area (http://www.crossconservation.org).

In living memory of Gerrit Brolsma, a tree will be planted in The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.