Obituary of Gerrit Groeneweg

August 12, 1947 – Klasswaal, The Netherlands
March 7, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerrit Groeneweg, much loved husband, father, and grandfather, died suddenly at home on Monday, March 7, 2022 at the age of 74 years, leaving his family and friends devastated by his loss.

Gerrit was born in Klasswaal, The Netherlands, the middle child of Maria and Walter Groeneweg. He was a prairie boy at heart and embraced its open and calming landscape at every opportunity. He was proud of his Dutch heritage and returned to The Netherlands on many occasions. 

Gerrit met his wife Deborah Lewis, on an archaeology dig on the Suffield Range in the summer of 1972.  They “dug each other” and married in Toronto in 1975. The young couple moved to Calgary in 1978 when Gerrit, a recent PhD graduate in developmental psychology, accepted a position first as Research Director and subsequently the Executive Director at the Vocational Rehabilitation Research Institute (VRRI).  Gerrit continued to advance his career as the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre (BIRC) and Brock Institute.

Gerrit and Deborah welcomed the arrival of their sons, Laine (1980) and Jonathan (1984). Through the busy pace of juggling professional obligations, extracurriculars, and volunteering, they maintained strong connections to friends and family, near and far.

In retirement, Gerrit continued his role as an active and enthusiastic volunteer at the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank and, most recently, as a board member for Fort Calgary.  He and Deborah travelled extensively throughout the world with friends and family, and the many happy memories of these adventures will sustain them all through this difficult time.

Gerrit’s quiet and understated demeanour belied his inquisitive and eclectic mind, and his wonderful sense of humour. He was a great listener, offered valued insights and advice, and was caring, careful and consistent in everything he did.

Gerrit is survived by his loving wife Deborah, his two sons; Laine and wife Erin McGuffin and their children Leo and Felix, who will remember him as their beloved “Grumpy”; Jonathan and his partner Humberly Gonzalez; siblings Marie (Cyril McIntyre), Bas (Verena Stofer), Ed (Joanne), and Audrey. He is mourned and missed by Deborah’s family; her sisters Linda and Harriet Lewis, their spouses Lorie Cappe and Eldon Bennett, and by nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Many friends, too numerous to mention individually in Calgary and beyond were close enough to be considered family.

In keeping with Gerrit’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a gathering to celebrate his life will be arranged at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Gerrit’s memory to The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation,  255001 Glenbow Road Cochrane, Alberta T4C 0B7,  Telephone: 403-851-9053,  https://grpf.ca/  or a charity of your choice.

In living memory of Gerrit Groeneweg, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.