Jerry Vander Pluym

Jerry was born on January 8, 1951 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Together with his parents, Anton and Pauline, he immigrated to Canada as a young child. He first lived in Leamington, Ontario on a farm with family. Jerry often reminisced about the fun of Christmases with both the Bergwerff and Boom families. In 1961 the de Winter family came to Canada and lived with Jerry’s family for 4 years. Once again Jerry was surrounded by the love of his extended family.

As a child Jerry enjoyed bowling, being a scout, playing piano and participating in sports. The family moved to Bolton where they lived near his father’s family, the Morales. Sadly Jerry’s father passed away when he was in his final year of high school. Together with his mother he returned to the Netherlands where they lived for 6 years.

After returning to Canada, Jerry and his mother moved to Brampton. Jerry worked in various positions. He took courses at York University and Seneca College leading to positions in the field of purchasing and contracts. In his final position he worked for the Ontario Government’s Infrastructure Technology Services – Corporate Services Branch.

Jerry enjoyed many years curling at St. George’s Curling Club and playing golf with his cousins. Jerry’s family attended Maple Leaf Drive Reformed Church where he joined the choir. Jerry had a great love of music and was part of the Liberation Choir for many years. In his final year he was the choir’s president.

Although Jerry was an only child he was very close to his many Canadian cousins (the Booms – Greta, Joanne and Harry; the Bergwerffs – Arnold, Gerda, Helen and Louie, the de Winters – Jack, Lina and Karin, as well as Ria and Ben.) To his many cousins’ children he was affectionately known as “Uncle Jerry”. Jerry was a devoted nephew to his many aunts and uncles (Tante Rina & Oom Arie, Tante Meta & Oom Leen and Tante Riet & Oom Nico. During his time in Holland he had an opportunity to connect to his birth land and family overseas.

After being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor (GBM) in August, Jerry underwent surgery. No longer able to live alone he moved to Traditions of Durham to be near his cousins in Oshawa and to continue treatment at the Odette Cancer Centre. His family would like to thank the staff of Traditions of Durham for their compassionate care of Jerry during a very difficult time.

Jerry was greatly loved by his friends and family and will be greatly missed. Jerry had a deep faith in Jesus Christ, his Savior and knew that his eternal home awaited him. It is with this belief that we take comfort in knowing that we shall see him again.