Remembering my Dad today and so many great things come to mind. He loved to laugh and it shook the house every time! He was the loudest fan, cheering on the sidelines of our soccer and baseball games. The way he always told my Mom and other people how beautiful she is. Such a sweet memory. 🥰 He would take his Grandkids swimming, golfing and to IHOP or other restaurant which was such a treat for them! The day before he passed 10 years ago, he looked me straight in the eye and said “You know how much I love you right? All of you.” I will never forget those words but even if he didn’t say them we would have known. I think of you all the time Dad and miss you dearly. ❤️ Sharon

Gerry
For me… it all started with a golf ball on my side of the fence.  We had just moved from Aldergrove to this beautiful little cul-de-sac and we had most of our house in our garage as we were planning on renovating.  I picked up the ball and he lifted his head up from his golf swing and gave a wave.  He strolled up to the fence.   In fact, he strolled a lot.  He strolled like a man who knew how important it was to enjoy the simple blessings in life.     And with a great big smile he introduced himself “Howdy neighbor” he said.  That smile was the same one I saw countless times over the past five years that I've had the privilege to call Gerry and Olive my neighbours.  It was the same one I saw today - on the inside of his funeral pamphlet and it made my eyes water.  Then he shook my hand – and he had hands like my own grandfather – massive.  Hands that had built -  built a family, built a business, built relationships with golf buddies and protected those he loved for years.   They were huge hands.  But Gerry had a warmness about him. We couldn't have dream of more amazing neighbours.   Gerry and Olive watched our family grow – renovate (endlessly) and still were always there with a kind smile and words of encouragement.  I will always remember Gerry's positive outlook – he always looked to the good. He always had time for a quick chat – and never in five years complained about our endless remodeling!  I'll never forget the time Gerry had just had his entire fence painted and we decided that we would stain our side of the fence.  Well staining lattice is a bit tricky…needless to say there were drips all over his newly painted fence.  We felt terrible and told him that we would fix it right away.  He just smiled  - that same smile.  He said – “Ah don't worry about it!  Our eyesight is getting worse - so by next week we won't even be able to notice!”  I did fix the fence (somewhat), but Gerry never sweated the small stuff.  He knew what was important in life.  He loved his family.  For some of you – who we've never met - I think it's important for you to know how special your dad and mom have been in our life.  Our own kids have grown up beside their kindness and compassion.  They have been an amazing model of a strong marriage and how to be a true advocate for your kids.  I will miss Gerry.  I'll miss his warm spirit and smile.  I'll miss him coming and going from his driveway 15 times an hour.  I'll miss his golfing and camping stories.  And I know I'm going to miss the golf balls on my lawn that always gave me a chance to talk Gerry.
May the Lord hold you in His Grace forever.
Love 
John, Allison, Benjamin, Lillia, and Caleb Hantke

For me… it all started with a golf ball on the wrong side of the fence.  We had just moved from Aldergrove to this beautiful little cul-de-sac and we had most of our house in our garage as we were planning on renovating.  I picked up the ball and he lifted his head up from his golf swing and gave a wave.  He strolled up to the fence.   In fact, he strolled a lot.  He strolled like a man who knew how important it was to enjoy the simple blessings in life.     And with a great big smile he introduced himself “Howdy neighbor” he said.  That smile was the same one I saw countless times over the past five years that I've had the privilege to call Gerry and Olive my neighbours.  It was the same one I saw today  - on the inside of his funeral pamphlet and it made my eyes water.  Then he shook my hand – and he had hands like my own grandfather – massive.  Hands that had built -  Built a family, built a business, built relationships and protected those he loved for years.   Huge hands.  But Gerry had a warmness about him. We couldn't have dream of more amazing neighbours.   Gerry and Olive watched our family grow – renovate (endlessly) and still were always there with a kind smile and words of encouragement.  I will always Gerry's positive outlook – he always looked to the good. He always had time for a quick chat – and never in five years complained about our endless remodeling!  I'll never forget the time Gerry had just had his entire fence painted and we decided that we would stain our side of the fence.  Well staining lattice is a bit tricky…needless to say there were drips all over his newly painted fence.  We felt terrible and told him that we would fix it right away.  He just smiled that same smile.  He said – “Ah don't worry about it!  Our eyesight is getting worse and so by next week we won't even be able to notice!”  I did fix the fence (somewhat) but Gerry never sweated the small stuff.  He knew what was important in life.  He loved his family.  For some of you – who we've never met - I think it's important for you to know how special your dad and mom have been in our life.  Our own kids have grown up beside their kindness and compassion.  They have been an amazing model of a strong marriage and how to be a true advocate for your kids.  I will miss Gerry.  I'll miss his warm spirit and smile.  I'll miss him coming and going from his driveway 15 times an hour.  I'll miss his golfing and camping stories.  And I know I'm going to miss the golf balls on my lawn that always gave me a chance to talk Gerry.
May the Lord hold you in His Grace forever.
Love 
John, Allison, Benjamin, Lillia, and Caleb Hantke

Gerry & I played golf every week since 1972, with the exception of holidays.
We played regardless of weather. Rain, Wind, Hail, we even had to leave the course twice because of snow.
During one rainstorm we found that we were the only two to play that day.
He was a good friend & a joy to be with. I'll miss him very much.

We have been left with wonderful memories of a man who enjoyed life....loved his family.   Every visit with Gerry was filled with laughter.  There were times when we would think we were involved in a serious topic, only to have the smile start on his face....then his big, BIG laugh..   We were fortunate enough over all these years to share in your joys....births, marriages, anniversaries.  Now we share in your sorrow.

OBITUARY

Gerry Zonneveld

April 27, 1937 – October 1, 2012

Henderson's Langley Funeral Home

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