Obituary for Gerard "Gerry" Vandewalle
GERARD "GERRY" VANDEWALLE
Gerard Vandewalle, 91, of RR2, Dublin passed away peacefully at Spruce Lodge, Stratford on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
Beloved husband of 60 years to Leona Vandewalle. Dear father of Margaret Luyten (Peter), Philip Vandewalle (Ruth), David Vandewalle (Lisa), Rick Vandewalle (Colleen) and Ginette Betts (Sean). Loving grandfather of Melanie (Justin), Jeffrey (Colleen), Denise (Mathew), Derek (Morgan); Calum, Claire, Luke; Jeromy; Reagan, Ryan (Ryian), Darren (Sydney); Kyra and Sarah. Cherished great grandfather of Corbin, Jillian, Norah; Spencer, Brooke, Declan; Ryleigh and Jacob. Dear brother of Madeleine Bouckaert. Dear brother-in-law of Maria Vandewalle, Cecile Louwagie, Monique Louwagie and Beatrice Louwagie (Leon). He will missed by many nieces and nephews in both Belgium and Canada.
Predeceased by his parents, Rene and Zulma Vandewalle; sisters, Bertha Hondekyn (Roger), Maria Van Ceunebroucke (Maurice); brothers, Camiel Vandewalle and Michel Vandewalle; father-in-law and mother-in-law Leon and Marguerite Opsomer; sister-in-law, Christiane Louwagie (George); brothers-in-law, Michel Bouckaert, Willy Louwagie and Hector Louwagie.
Gerry and Leona were married in Belgium and immigrated to Canada in 1962 where they farmed and raised their family in the Dublin area. They met many people along the way who supported them and became life-long friends. Gerry had a passion for farming and farm-related activities which was evident to all who knew him. He shared that enthusiasm in conversations over coffee or other beverages (“druppel”) with neighbours and friends. He enjoyed home cooked meals, taking in the news, travelling and crop touring.
The family would like to thank everyone who took care of Gerry over the last few years, especially all the staff at Spruce Lodge where he spent the last five months of his life.
Friends and family will be received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, 109 Montreal St., Mitchell on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 29 Park Lane, Mitchell on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. A recording of Gerry's Funeral Mass will be available to view at LockhartFuneralHome.com later on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Spruce Lodge, Stratford Rotary Hospice or charity of one's choice would be appreciated and may be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Gerry’s Mass of Christian Burial.
Gerard Vandewalle, 91, of RR2, Dublin passed away peacefully at Spruce Lodge, Stratford on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
Beloved husband of 60 years to Leona Vandewalle. Dear father of Margaret Luyten (Peter), Philip Vandewalle (Ruth), David Vandewalle (Lisa), Rick Vandewalle (Colleen) and Ginette Betts (Sean). Loving grandfather of Melanie (Justin), Jeffrey (Colleen), Denise (Mathew), Derek (Morgan); Calum, Claire, Luke; Jeromy; Reagan, Ryan (Ryian), Darren (Sydney); Kyra and Sarah. Cherished great grandfather of Corbin, Jillian, Norah; Spencer, Brooke, Declan; Ryleigh and Jacob. Dear brother of Madeleine Bouckaert. Dear brother-in-law of Maria Vandewalle, Cecile Louwagie, Monique Louwagie and Beatrice Louwagie (Leon). He will missed by many nieces and nephews in both Belgium and Canada.
Predeceased by his parents, Rene and Zulma Vandewalle; sisters, Bertha Hondekyn (Roger), Maria Van Ceunebroucke (Maurice); brothers, Camiel Vandewalle and Michel Vandewalle; father-in-law and mother-in-law Leon and Marguerite Opsomer; sister-in-law, Christiane Louwagie (George); brothers-in-law, Michel Bouckaert, Willy Louwagie and Hector Louwagie.
Gerry and Leona were married in Belgium and immigrated to Canada in 1962 where they farmed and raised their family in the Dublin area. They met many people along the way who supported them and became life-long friends. Gerry had a passion for farming and farm-related activities which was evident to all who knew him. He shared that enthusiasm in conversations over coffee or other beverages (“druppel”) with neighbours and friends. He enjoyed home cooked meals, taking in the news, travelling and crop touring.
The family would like to thank everyone who took care of Gerry over the last few years, especially all the staff at Spruce Lodge where he spent the last five months of his life.
Friends and family will be received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, 109 Montreal St., Mitchell on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 29 Park Lane, Mitchell on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. A recording of Gerry's Funeral Mass will be available to view at LockhartFuneralHome.com later on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Spruce Lodge, Stratford Rotary Hospice or charity of one's choice would be appreciated and may be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Gerry’s Mass of Christian Burial.