Obituary for the late Gerald (Gerry) Jansma

January 16, 1937 – April 24, 2016.

It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gerry at the South Okanagan General Hospital after his brave fight with cancer at the age of 79 years.

Gerry was born in Friesland, the Netherlands and moved to Canada in 1952. He eventually settled in Oliver and worked for Sun Fresh Co-Op for many years.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Jean of 24 years; daughters and sons: Shirley (Brian), Barbara (Clay), Aaron, Tanya (John), Kimball, Leah (Paul) and Jim (Shiela); siblings: Rena Hoornenborg (Henk), Tina Tremblay and Martha Brown (Verne), plus many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended family both in Canada and overseas.

Gerry enjoyed travelling — he ventured to Alaska, the Yukon and Australia. He enjoyed going on cruises and going for long walks.

Gerry is predeceased by his son Jay and brother Martin.

At Gerry’s request there will be no service and a private celebration of life will be held by the family.

Donations gratefully accepted for the Cancer Society, Po Box 1872, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0.

A special thank you to Dr. Mark Hamilton, the nurses at palliative care at SOGH and to our many friends and neighbours for their love and support.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

 

God saw you getting tired

And a cure was not to be

So he put his arms around you

And whispered “Come to me”.

You will always live in our hearts.