Mr. Gerhard Kroeker

Gerhard Kroeker, born October 16, 1957 in Colinia Gartental, Uruguay, moved to Vancouver at 3 years of age with parents, Anna and Erich, and brother, Manfred. Sisters Monica, Doris and Sylvia joined the family a few years later.

Gerhard attended John Oliver High School where he met his dear wife Janet in Grade 11 English. She talked him into doing her homework! They married in 1980 and three years later welcomed their son, Jason, into the family.

Gerhard worked delivering prescriptions at Rexall Drug Stores, as a dishwasher at the Blue Horizon, then as a core layer at Weldwood for several years before moving to the Waterworks Department at the City of Vancouver, where he worked until his death.

Gerhard made many friends over the years while playing the team sports he loved. He played snooker at the pool hall on Fraser and then pool at the legion at 43rd and Fraser. He played baseball, darts at the legion and, later in life, he really enjoyed golf.

Gerhard, Janet and Jason shared a love of travel and particularly enjoyed their many trips to Europe together. Their last trip together was on a cruise to the Baltics last summer.

Gerhard had a passion for the Easter Seals 24 Hour Challenge to help fund sending disabled kids to camp. In his last year of selling $5 raffle tickets for this charity he single handedly sold 900 tickets approaching strangers in Tim Horton’s, gas stations, pubs, restaurants and work – “It’s for the kids!” he would say.

Gerhard will always be remembered for his positive spirit, his infectious laugh and ready smile. He handled his illness with dignity and grace, protecting Janet and Jason, in particular, from the realities of his diagnosis. His three sisters were a huge support for both Gerhard and Janet towards the end – enabling Janet to work a bit while they spent cherished last hours with their brother.

In lieu of flowers, Janet & Jason request donations to be made to Gerhard’s Theme Dream Team at Easter Seals 24 Hour Challenge – Vancouver.