In Memory of Gerrit Koning
August 18, 1933 – September 18, 2013
Surrounded by family, our Pa and Opa, Gerry, peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 80 years of age.
He was predeceased by his wife Pearl (2008) and is survived by his children: Fred (Hilda), George (Trish), John (Joanne), Helen, and Ben (Muriel); grandchildren: Luke (Jaclyn), Heather, Ben (Liz), Jon, Karen, Sharon (Mike), Hannah and Abby as well as numerous relatives in The Netherlands including three brothers and one sister.
Gerry was born in The Netherlands and as a young man immigrated to Canada in 1952 to make a better life for himself. After marrying Pearl in Haney in 1954, Gerry moved to the Alberni Valley, a community he loved. He found steady employment with MacMillan Bloedel in their Plywood Mill, a work place which he enjoyed for 38 years. Gerry was very active in the church community as a member of the Alberni Valley Christian Reformed Church and later in life as a member of Knox Presbyterian Church. As a citizen of the greater community he volunteered a good deal of his time with numerous local organizations including the Port Alberni Association for Community Living, Port Alberni Family Guidance Association, Port Alberni Elder College and the Alberni-Clayoquot Continuing Care Society. In later years, Gerry often could be found at local restaurants enjoying a coffee or a meal with friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:45 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 4850 Regina Street, with Rev. Laura Hargrove officiating. A private interment service will take place at Alberni Valley Memorial Gardens prior to the celebration of life. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry's memory may be made to Echo Village/Fir Park Village Foundation, 4200 10th Avenue, Port Alberni, V9Y 4X3.
Gerry’s family is grateful for the excellent care provided by his doctors; Damian White, Robbie O’Dwyer, Jim Ferguson; the incredible staff at West Coast General Hospital and the attentive caregivers at Ty Watson House. They are also very thankful for the love and support he received from his many friends, church community and cancer survivor group.
Chapel of Memories Funeral Directors – (250) 723-3633