Gerrit passed away peacefully in Sidney, BC on March 12, 2021. Born in Haaksbergen, Netherlands on January 17, 1930, Gerrit always had a smile, a ready laugh, a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a strong hug for all those that he would meet. As a young man with little money and few words of English, Gerrit immigrated to Canada in search of new opportunities. With his conviction that hard work and common sense could overcome all obstacles, Gerrit was soon able to establish himself in his own home in Calgary, Alberta. In 1956, Gerrit married his childhood love, Bernadina (Ineke) Ernsting, who would join him in Canada to raise a family and run a successful contracting business. In 1979, Gerrit and Ineke retired to Victoria, BC, where they would spend many years enjoying travel and family.
Gerrit is survived by his son Jerry Westendorp, his wife Lee Hisette, their son Jeremy and daughter Taylor; and his son Glenn, his wife Angela and daughters Serena and Vivian; and his sister Gerda Bolster of Haaksbergen. Gerrit was pre-deceased by his wife Ineke, daughter Jane, son Roger, and son-in-law James Hirt.
Our family would like to thank his many friends and family members who continued to visit him and enjoy their time together. We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Staff, Nurses and Doctors who provided our father compassion and care until his peaceful passing.
A celebration of Life will be held on March 25, with only the immediate family due to covid. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Diane Lewis
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Erwin, Ellen, Bram and Luuk Bolster Dear Glenn, Angela, Jerry, Lee and grandchildren,
our sincere condolences to all of you.
We enjoyed the visits of Ineke, Gerrit and their children to the Netherlands, and we always felt very welcome visiting Canada.
We remember uncle Gerrit as a cheerful and sweet man. He was truly interested in the work and education of others.
Talking to him was always a joy because of his cheerful disposition and his beautiful smile.
It’s been a privilege to have known Gerrit, thank you!
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Rob and Hans Segerink Dear Glenn, Angela, Jerry, Lee and family,
Our condolences to all the family. We, Hans and Rie, always had a great time visiting and it was always a great joy when Gerrit en Ineke were visiting us in the Netherlands.
Regards,
Rob and Hans Segerink
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Henk and Ineke Westendorp Dear Glenn, Angela, Jerry, Lee Hisette and children.
Our sincere condolences.
Oom Gerrit (uncle Jerry) will be remembered as a friend.
We loved our stays in Canada and felt right at home.He always showed sincere interest in you and as well in the things you did in life.
It was nice talking to him and we remember his “pretoogjes” twinkling eyes and “hartelijkheid” cordiality.
Now he is reunited with tante Ineke his great love.Thank you Jerry for having knowing you.
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Leo Hollink Wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkt en kracht om verder te kunnen.
Groetjes Leo en Arda
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Murray Christian Our thoughts and prayers go out to you & your family, Glenn
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Margo and Chris Andersen We offer sincere condolences and great big hugs to all the family. We are thinking of you as we remember our special neighbour and friend with his twinkling eyes, world’s best laugh and world’s best hug. It has been an absolute privilege to know Gerry and Ineke. Gerry’s passing leaves another big hole in the universe but it is a comfort to know that they are together again.
Angela, Glenn, Vivian and Serena
I am so sorry for your loss thinking of all of you.