Obituary of Gerardus VanLeeuwen

VAN LEEUWEN: With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Dad into God’s loving arms at London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, Saturday evening, September 23, 2006, Gerardus “Jerry” Van Leeuwen, of RR 2, Grand Bend, age 79. Beloved husband of Mathilda “Tilly” (Kester) Van Leeuwen. Loving father of Nick Van Leeuwen and his wife Karen of Cary, North Carolina, Mathilde Van Leeuwen of Calgary, Ellen Robinson and her husband Wes of London, Adrian Van Leeuwen and his wife Viktoria of Toronto, John Van Leeuwen and his wife Charlene of Hunter River, P.E.I. Loving Opa of Andrew, Brian, David, Jacqueline, Wes, Greg, Bryanna, Katie, Pieter and Julie. He will also be sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces and nephews and the Kester families, in Canada, Holland, Australia and the Philippines. Jerry immigrated from Holland in 1951 to the Grand Bend area and made a living with his passion in market gardening and flower nursery. He expressed his creativity in topiary and stained glass art. Resting at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, with visitation Tuesday 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Parish and family prayers at the funeral home, Tuesday at 2 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Grand Bend, Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Father Peter Poel, Celebrant. Interment Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend. If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Catholic Development and Peace or a Developing Country of your choice would be appreciated.