Gerrit Westdorp

August 9, 1927 - January 5, 2024

"I've led a very interesting life!"

In loving memory of Gerrit (Gerry) Westdorp; husband, father, Opa and great "cookie" Opa.

Born August 9th, 1927, on the Island of Texel, North Holland, he was the 6th of ten children born to Euft and Janetje. He passed away on January 5th, 2024, in Campbell River, B.C., at the age of 96.

The family survived the 2nd World War in occupied Holland and after the war, Gerry spent two years in Indonesia serving in the Dutch Army as an ambulance driver. In 1953, along with his siblings; John, Gonda, Bill and their families, he immigrated to Canada.

In 1956, he returned to Texel and began his relationship with his future wife, Jannette (Netty) van Maldegem. Soon after his return to Canada, Netty followed him and they married in Kitimat, B.C. on February 8th, 1958, where their first daughter, Marianne was born.

A year later, they moved to Vancouver Island and their family was complete, with the births of Brian in 1961 and Sharon in 1962.

They first settled in Black Creek where they owned a dairy farm and then to Merville. In 1965, they moved to Delvecchio Road in Campbell River, as Gerry was working as a crane operator at Elk Falls Mill. Gerry was an avid gardener with a very productive vegetable garden that he took a great deal of pride in.

To Gerry and Nettie, the most important part of their lives was their family, and they took a very active role in the lives of their children and grandchildren, supporting everything their family was involved in.

Gerry and Netty loved to travel and when he retired in 1990, they travelled extensively in their motorhome, ultimately turning into snowbirds in the Arizona and California deserts. Gerry was a kind and gentle man, who always acknowledged people with a smile and a kind word. He loved to share stories of his life stating many times that he, "had lived an interesting life!"

He is survived by his children; Marianne Ziolkowski, Brian (Kim) Westdorp and Sharon (Walter) Herbin. His grandchildren; Jeremy (Amber) Herbin, Emily Herbin, Graeme (Erin), Garret and Mitchell Westdorp. His great grandchildren; Norman, Amelia, Rose, ·Lucy and Grace, and his sister, Ina Bakker.

Gerry was predeceased by his loving wife, Netty, eldest grandson, Christiaan Herbin, son in law. Zane Ziolkowski, as well as eight of his siblings.

There will be a gathering in his honour on February 10th, 2024, at the Discovery Inn from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers if you wish to honor Gerry, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.