Gerald van Amelsvoort
December 19, 1928 - December 13, 2019
Funeral Details: Thursday December 19, 2019 @ 11:30 am St. John Vianney Church
Gerald (Gerry) Maria van Amelsvoort passed away peacefully on Friday Dec.13th, 2019 at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, in his 91st year. He was born in s’Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1955.
Predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Doreen (ten Den). Devoted father of Gemma (Ian Jones), Josephine (John Hemsted), Frank (Susan Vezina), Gerry (Vera Schaefers Cameron), and Louis. Loving grandfather to Isaac and Saul; Danielle; Andrew, David, Laura, Mary and Paul; Sarah, Alexander, Kirsten, Charlotte, Garrett, and Luke; and great-grandfather to Jacob, Isabella, and George; and Kingsley.
Survived by siblings Louis, Ria, Karin, Emanuel, and Joop; predeceased by siblings Harry, Jan, Paul, Frans, and Bill. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and his musical family.
Music was one of the great passions of Gerald’s life. He conducted the St. John Vianney Church choir for several decades; also ‘The Silver Linings’ Seniors’ Choir, and the IOOF Choir. He sang with the King Edward Choir, and taught recorder and singing at St. John Vianney and St. Monica schools for many years. He also played in the Parkview Recorder Ensemble.
Please join the family for a funeral mass at St. John Vianney Church, 13 Baldwin Lane, Barrie on Thurs. Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m. followed by a reception in the parish hall at 12:45 p.m.
As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Huronia Symphony Orchestra Youth Program www.huroniasymphony.ca , the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/gord , or to the charity of your choice.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Ann Scully
Posted on: Thursday, February 6, 2020Dear Josephine, Gemma, Frank, Jerry and Louis:
I just hear about your Dad from Mr VanNispen while at Special Olympics alpine skiing on Wednesday night. My sincerest sympathy and condolences. I loved your Dad! He taught me many things to do with engineering, life and music. He always had time to share and a smile for everyone. He opened his and your home to all and was very philanthropic with his work with the leper colony in Indonesia. He will always hold a special place in my heart as do you all. I am sorry for the troubles I caused your family back when I had the pub but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me as did your dad. While it has been many years since I have seen the VanAmelsvoort family, I will always cherish my time I did get to spend with you! I hope your Dad has found peace and no more pain! He and Doreen will be a major force up in heaven!