It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gerry on Monday, July 20, 2020 at Brampton Civic Hospital surrounded by family. Predeceased by his parents Paul and Gerritje Hesselink, brother Herman, and infant daughter Katie. Beloved husband of Margaret (nee McLellan) for 56 wonderful years. Loving father of Mark, Suzanne Barwell (Bruce), Karyn Maunders (Ryan), Lori (Eugene Uyeda), and Matthew. Cherished grandfather of Emma, Keegan, Cullen, Maisie, and Nevyn. Survived by his sister Lucy Johnston (Clyde), and his sister-in-law Jane Hesselink. Fondly remembered by the extended Barwell, Maunders and Uyeda families.
Gerry was born in Brummen, The Netherlands. After surviving the war and the Occupation of Holland, he immigrated with his family to Canada in 1953. His family settled in Oshawa, ON. Gerry very proudly became a Canadian citizen in 1962. He worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for many years. Gerry met the love of his life Margaret, who had moved to Toronto from Nova Scotia, and was also working for the Bank of Nova Scotia. They fell in love and then married on June 6, 1964.
Gerry’s career took them back to The Netherlands, this time to Rotterdam. But they were not alone, as their first baby was on the way. What a surprise though, when twins Mark and Suzanne arrived! Their next posting was in St Maarten in the Caribbean for a year. Then in 1970, Gerry and Margaret came back to Canada to settle, and bought their first house in Pickering, ON. After settling in, Gerry and Margaret lovingly expanded their family to include Karyn, Lori and Matthew! Boy they were busy! Shortly thereafter, Gerry left the bank to start his second career with W Ralston Canada Inc where he worked in Bramalea for many years. In 1980, Gerry and Margaret moved the family to Bramalea, ON. In 1981 baby Katie was born, but was sadly lost to the family at the age of 9 days.
The next years were very fulfilling as Gerry and Margaret raised their children, and Gerry always found time to enjoy his gardening.
During this time he also loved to support and encourage his children in their sports and hobbies.
After about 30 years with W Ralston Inc, Gerry retired in 2005.
Family was the most important part of Gerry’s life, whom he loved with his whole heart, and whom he was always so tremendously proud of. His family will greatly miss his humour, love and guidance.
Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Gerry knows that he was an incredibly loving and generous man. Gerry will be missed by all but never forgotten.
A private family funeral service will take place at Andrews Community Funeral Centre on July 25, 2020. A private interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to the William Osler Health System Foundation-Brampton Civic Hospital.
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