Gerrit De Leeuw
January 13th, 2019
Gerrit De Leeuw, age 82, of Calgary, Alberta, died peacefully in Calgary on Sunday evening, January 13, 2019.
A celebration of Gerrit's remarkable and fulfilled life will be held at the Crossroads Community Association Hall in Calgary, Alberta on Saturday, February 9, from 12 noon to 3 pm. (1803 14th Ave. N.E.).
Gerrit was born in the city of Arnhem, Holland in 1936. He grew up in his father's footsteps, working in his butcher shop, learning his trade and other exceptional hands on skills that would become Gerrit’s trademark when he emigrated to Canada by plane in 1957. In Canada, he created a new life for himself, travelled and realized many of his dreams. He met and married his loving wife Elma and began a family.
Gerrit worked as a meat cutter for Safeway for many years before working for S.A.I.T. as a Meat Cutter Instructor, where he spent the last fifteen years of his career engaging and helping students in his chosen occupation. He was the ultimate hands on builder, self-taught in fine woodwork and other shop skills. He left a legacy of fine tables, shelves and other furniture, as well as a plethora of renovations for his, and others homes.
Gerrit spent much of his free time camping, travelling and exploring beautiful natural places with his wife and sons over the years. He occupied much of his retirement giving of himself freely. His service to others included helping neighbours and friends, delivering meals for the elderly, aiding them with taxes, and greeting travellers as a White Hat volunteer at the Calgary Airport. Everyone who knew Gerrit was familiar with his smile, enthusiasm and generous giving of his time and helping others in need.
Gerrit’s sense of humour endured right to the end. Two weeks before passing, his granddaughter said, "See you tomorrow." His reply: "If you're lucky!"
So many of us feel lucky today to have benefited from such a special man who helped us in so many ways.
Gerrit is survived by his loving wife, Elma Hendry De Leeuw of 58 years, his two sons; Gary and Bill, and his granddaughter Maria, whom he adored deeply and felt was a special gift in the latter part of his life. Gerrit is also survived by his sisters; Adrie and Nel in Holland, as well as many loving and caring nieces and nephews in Holland, Wales and the United States.Messages:
Gerrit has always been a great friend to our family. He's been around my brother and I for as long as I can remember. He was always a caring man and a great role model growing up. It was an honour to know Gerrit and he has surely left a legacy and memory on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My condolences to Elma and family. Rest in peace Gerrit, you'll be missed. Tommy
My deepest sympathies to Elma, Gary, Bill, Tracey and Maria. Gerritt was a very welcoming and considerate man with a huge smile and inquisitive mind. Elma, I will never forget the kindness and love that the two of you showed me and how you included my daughter in that circle of affection through our own times of grief and hardship. May the years of great memories together walking, sharing coffees at Tim Hortons and just enjoying time with your family, especially your beloved Maria provide comfort in these days and months of sorrow. Trudy
Please accept my condolences to your whole family. Gerrit was always so much fun to be around. There are many great memories from the years our boys were growing up together. There is another star in the sky . Ulla Andersen Calgary.
I was always pleased to have Gerritt with our shift at YYC.....he was always smiling. saying hello to all and always had time to talk to everyone! God has called another "Angel" home. Rest in peace!
It's strange to have an uncle so far away from Holland. We heard a few stories of the early years of De Leeuw family in Arnhem from our parents. During the years we met you several times. Nice, warm, uncomplicated and comfortable people. Family from far away. What do you know about them? In the last week I began to know how special my uncle Gerrit (from far away) was! I'm glad to have the possibility to see so much stories, photos and compliments about Gerrit. What a nice person. Nice to have had some time with you and Elma last year. Bye Gerrit ! Much love to Elma, Bill and Gary and your families.
Our sincere condolences to Gerrit’s Family. When Gerrit entered the room, always with a smile and a pleasant greeting, the world was a better place. He was happiest when he was helping others which made him an outstanding White Hatter and super friend. He was a wonderful example to those around him and will be greatly missed.
I’m sad to hear of Gerrit's passing. It was delightful to work with him. At the airport he would always bring his happy disposition and spread it around. THORA BUDDA WHITEHATTER@YYC
I express condolences to Gerrit's family & friends. I first met Gerrit the mid 1980s when he was at SAIT, Calgary and I was at Nait, Edmonton. We were both instructors in our respective meat cutting & merchandising training programs. Gerrit will be missed.
So sorry to hear this news. I have fond memories working with Gerrit in Hospitality department. We are out of the country on the 9 th, so I just wanted to send me condolences.
Our condolences to the De Leeuw Family on the passing of Gerrit. SAIT's ALIVE (The Association of Retired and Former SAIT employees and their spouses)
Gerrit is my family best friend,we met at Sait, since 1984 he is meat cutting instructor, i'm a young Asian boy not much English go there to learn a trace to make a living ,and he is a good model for my two boys to learn to learn from.he will be miss from Chus family.
So sorry to all the family. I am White Hatter at airport.4d
We had the honour & privilege to know Gerrit & Elma through Erika & our father. He helped so many & always happy & joking. This world has truly lost a very bright light. Eternanally grateful for all his help & friendship. Deepest symapthy to family & many friends. Glen & Val Scheck & family.
Gerrit was an amazing person and was an incredible volunteer with the White Hatters. He is missed by all of us here at YYC.
Do remember a smiling uncle.
We will allways remember his smile and his sense of humour. I'm proud that I could call him my uncle. When they were in Holland they took our children to the Mac Donalds and they were allways interested in the children. They also have warm feelings about uncle Gerrit and aunt Elma. Our condoleances for the familie special for aunt Elma, Gary, Bill, Stacey and Maria Dear uncle Gerrit rest in peace. We will never forget you....
So sorry to hear of Gerrit's passing, Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My Condolence to the De Leeuw Family. Gerrit and I both arrived in Canada in 1957 and started working for Safeway where we meet and quickly became friends. We did a lot together with our families, lots of Camping, in tents, visiting each other and a bunch of other stuff. Our children always had a great time together, as we all did. The memories we share are many and I often thing about Gerrit and laugh of the many funny things that happened. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
Morley and I were so sorry to hear of Gerrits passing. We had the pleasure of meeting him and Elma shortly after Erica’s passing. He was such a gentleman and had a wonderful sense of humour. You as his family have many wonderful memories. Our deepest condolences to Elma and all the family. Morley and Susan Roelofs
Deepest condolences