Gerard Pierre Leonard Van Swieten

Born in Pemalang, Indonesia, Gerard (Gerry) was the fifth of 13 children. At the age of four, his family returned to the Netherlands, where he grew up during one of history’s darkest times. World War II broke out when he was just eight years old, and by nine, he witnessed the German invasion of Holland. For five long years, his homeland was under occupation. The profound impact of those years left an indelible mark on Gerry’s life, shaping his character and values.

Gerry graduated high school in 1948 and began working at the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines head office, a position he held until 1953, with a brief pause for a year of compulsory military service from 1950 to 1951. Life took a joyful turn when he met Agnes at a dance school, and it wasn’t long before they married in 1954.

Gerry was always driven by the hope of a better life, and after witnessing Canadian soldiers liberate Holland during the war, he felt a deep connection to Canada and saw it as a place of promise. Inspired by this, he and Agnes decided to make Canada their new home. Before emigrating, Gerry attended the Biesbos, a farm school, hoping to find steady work in agriculture. In 1954, newly married, the couple made the journey across the Atlantic and settled in Acme, Alberta. However, life as a farmhand proved difficult, and after three challenging years, Gerry transitioned to a new path, joining the Canadian Army.

Their first child, Marian, was born shortly before Gerry enlisted with the Canadian Army and their second child, Richard, was born soon after. With a wife and two children, Gerry was then posted to Germany—a blessing for the family, as it allowed them to stay connected to relatives back in Europe. The family returned to Canada in 1963, greeted by the tragic news of President Kennedy’s assassination. One year later, their son David was born, and shortly afterward, Gerry was deployed to Cyprus as part of the UN Peacekeeping Forces. Then, in 1968, their family grew again with the arrival of Paul. At just 10 days old, Paul became a permanent part of the family. He came to them through the foster care system, a system where Gerry and Agnes worked as foster parents for some 25 years.

In 1966, Gerry left the military and began a long career with the BC Correctional Services, first at Wilkinson Road jail and later at the Juvenile Detention Home. He retired in 1992 and embraced life’s quieter joys. Gerry and Agnes joined a camping club, rekindled his love for playing the zither, and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling. They explored far-flung destinations like South Africa and Indonesia, while also making cherished visits back to Holland.

Throughout his years, Gerry was known by many names—Gerard, Gerry, Geert, Dad, Papasan, Opa—and life was good. Sadly, in 1996, the love of his life, Agnes, passed away. Yet life continued its circle, and as great-grandchildren were born, Gerry earned the affectionate title of “Super Opa.”

Gerry’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and a quiet strength that carried him through even the most challenging times. His legacy lives on in the family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Gerard will be missed by his Canadian family which includes his four children, Marian (Bill), Rick (Yvonne), Dave (Tammie) and Paul. His six grandchildren Tanya (Trevor), Nicole, Christopher (Catherine), Michael, Gerry and Joseph (Rebecca), as well as his four great grandchildren, Kyla, Davin, Asher and Zoe.

Gerard was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Agnes, his sister Noes (Job), brother Bert (Jeanne) , sister Loekie, sister Francine (Dries), brother Hans (Betty – living), and brother Frans (Margreet – living).

He will be missed by his family in Holland which includes, his sister Clara (Nico – deceased), brother Eddie (Gerda), sister Josje, sister Marijke (Bart – deceased), sister Anneke (Kees - deceased) brother Henri (Ingrid) and all of the nieces and nephews too numerous to mention but all of whom are part of the Van Swieten family legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Gerard P. L. Van Swieten to Veterans Memorial Lodge through the Broadmead Care Society at https://www.broadmeadcare.com/donate-now/ or by mail at Broadmead Care, 4579 Chatterton Way, Victoria BC, V8X 4Y7.