JANUARY 26, 1931 – MAY 11, 2024

It is with great sadness that his family announces the passing of Gerard (“Charles”) on May 11, 2024, at the age of 93.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of over 53 years and best friend Johanna (“Anny”), who passed in 2009.

Cherished and devoted father of Ben (Dawn), Ed (Kathy), and Tony (late Trish, fiancée Rose).

Loving grandfather, “Opa”, to Peter (Kelly), Kayla (Shaun), Marya (Scott), Jenny (Tyler), Greg (Tory), and Emily (Brendan).

Cherished great grandfather to Rachel, Mason, Iris, Louise, Esmé, Jett, Ava, Isabel and Gabriel.

Predeceased by brothers the late Frank (Truus) in Ontario, Edward (Cory) and Jan (Ellen) in the Netherlands.

Survived by brother Tony (late Denise, late Hannah) in Ontario and sisters Ria and Els (Peter) in the Netherlands. Gerard (age 20), along with his brother Frank, emigrated to Canada in 1951 to start a new life after their native Netherlands had been impacted by WW2.

They chose Canada because Canadian soldiers had liberated their area in the Netherlands during the war. His initial destination was for work on a dairy farm in southern Manitoba.

There he acquired his Canadian name “Charles,” because the farmer/employer was not able to pronounce “Gerard”. Charles subsequently moved to southwestern Ontario. After obtaining employment at General Motors in Oshawa, he moved to his longtime residence in the Whitby area.

A victim in multiple automobile accidents at a relatively young age, Charles lived with chronic pain during much of his lifetime. Despite this, he endured his condition with courage and strength, and dedicated his life to his family. “Opa” lived for, and was loved by, his family.

Visitation will be at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME (847 King St. W, Oshawa) on Thursday May 16 from 4-8 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday May 17 at Holy Family Catholic Church (91 Ribblesdale Dr., Whitby) at 11:00 am, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery (355 Taunton Road E, Whitby).

If desired, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca) or the Canadian Cancer Society (support.cancer.ca) would be appreciated.

Messages of condolences can be made online at oshawafuneralhome.com.