Dad was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands on June 12, 1933 and grew up under the Nazi occupation during WW II. Throughout his life he was ever grateful to those young Canadians who liberated his city in 1945. He became a Canadian with his family in 1950. Two years later he married Betsy Dykslag and together they were blessed with four children. After 18 years of marriage Betsy passed away suddenly. He and his children were devastated but his gracious Lord provided a second wife for him.

Dad inherited his grandfather’s wood working skills and perfected and shared them throughout his life. His business was Triangle Wood Products for 35 years. Also, within that time he taught furniture refinishing for 20 years at the Lethbridge Community College.

Dad was a hard worker and also volunteered his skills for family and friends. He had a sincere love for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and was ready to see his face. He enjoyed worship services every Sunday and was an office bearer at Trinity Reformed Church.

Dad had many friends and he will be missed by many. The last 10 years of his life he lived at Elim Village. He was eager to volunteer his skills there. He opened his heart to all the residents and became friends with each one as they moved in to the Elim community. He had a natural ability to make them feel loved and accepted.

He loved his children and he treasured his grandkids as babies and took great pleasure in their accomplishments as they matured. He had many nieces and nephews whom he loved to encourage and acknowledge.

Dad leaves behind to celebrate his life his devoted wife Eunice and his four loving children, son Henry (Sylvia) and their children David (Audrey), Jennifer (William), Jason (Andrea) and Curtis (Alison), son John (Yvonne) and their children Alex (Katie) and Spencer (Cassidy), daughter Adrianna (Rick) and daughter Kim (Peter) and their children Stephanie (Brent), Jessica (Geoff) and Caitlin (John) and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother and three sisters and one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law. Dad was predeceased by his young sister, his wife Betsy and his older brother.

If you like you may donate to the Elim Society for Senior Citizens Care in his memory (elimlethbridge.ca)

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” Ps 116: 15

A Graveside Service will be held at ROYAL VIEW CEMETERY, 5920 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10:00 A.M., followed by a Funeral Service at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor John van Eyk officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Jerry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.