December 12, 1932 - August 27, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerrit (Gerry) Berends. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 27 in Duncan, BC at the age of 87.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Nellie Berends and their children,
Andre (Yolanda), Bernie (Christina), Mike (Trish), Don (Judith), Trish (Jeff) and Tracey (Mick) and their 11 grandchildren, Katie (Graham), Kimberly (Mark), Jordan (Bethanie), Jessica, Elyssa (Andrew), Matthew, Olivia, Ella, Leah, Cohen and Hanna and great-grandchild, Leo. He is survived by his two brothers, John (Hilda) and Martin (Greta) and predeceased by his brothers Albert and Anjo and sister, Sandra.
Gerry was born in the town of Bedum in the Netherlands on December 12, 1932. At the age of 22 he immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings John, Martin, and Sandra.
His brother Albert remained in Holland while the family settled in Taber, Alberta where Gerry worked in the sugar beets. In 1956 the family moved to Duncan, BC and it is here that Gerry met his sweetheart for life, Nellie Wolters, whom he married in 1960.
Gerry was an active member of the CRC and aside from providing for his family, one of his proudest accomplishments was contributing to the building of the new church.
Gerry was a tireless worker, both at the Chemainus sawmill and on the 27 acre farm on Westholme Road where he and Nellie raised their family. He loved working on that hobby farm and took great pride in gardening, haying, tending to the land, and taking care of the cattle.
After retirement in 1994 Gerry and Nellie moved to Maple Bay and used their much deserved time to travel across Canada and around the world to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, and Mexico.
Family was a very important part of Gerry's life and he loved spending time with his sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchild. He enjoyed the many family reunions and celebrations that brought everyone together.
Over the last 13 years Gerry coped with multiple health issues but rarely complained and always had a smile on his face. His strong faith gave him assurance in knowing that when his time came he would be at peace.
Gerry will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Gerry's body will be laid to rest at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens in the Field of Honour.