Obituary of Gerard Hoeksema

HOEKSEMA, Gerard Sr. “Opa” - 88, son of the late Gerard Hoeksema (of Holland) passed away after a lengthy illness on March 21, 2015 at Valley Regional Hospital. He is survived by his wife Valera (Harris); daughters Hilda (Mike) Jensen, Windermere, BC; Susan (Fred) Furlong, Milk River, AB; step-daughter Nancy (Brian) Boddy, Kingston, NS; son Gerard Junior (Brenda) Rothesay, NB; step-sons, Ron (Cathy) Harris, Middle Sackville, NS; Jon (Carla) Harris, Greenwood Square, NS; also six grandchildren: Luke and Nicole Hoeksema, Rothesay, NB; Jason Furlong, Quebec; Michelle, Dominique and Denise Jensen, Windermere, BC; nine step-grandchildren: Greg Harris, Lower Sackville, NS; Jennifer Eagles, Saint John, NB; Jeremy Boddy, Kingston, NS; Jacob Boddy, Kingston, NS; Jona Boddy, Greenwood, NS; Christopher Harris, Greenwood, NS;Jim Roger, Moncton, NB; Frank and Maxim Roger, France and seven step-great-grandchildren: Autumn and Summer Eagles, Saint John, NB; Carter Boddy, Greenwood, NS; Cale and Hayden Harris, Cole Harbour, NS; Gregory Jr. and Isabella Harris, Newfoundland. Predeceased by first wife Janet and step-grandson Ronald. Gerard can best be described as a gentle giant, who was very quiet and enjoyed being on the outside looking in. His hobbies and interests were many – photography, spent countless hours on his computer, had travelled to many countries, enjoyed sailing, reading, and crossword puzzles. Gerard began his career in Morroco; moving to Canada in 1967 and was a Civil Engineer for the City until he retired in 1997. In November 2000 he married Val and they settled into his last 15 years in the Annapolis Valley. Cremation has taken place. There will be no service as requested. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home and Chapels (Coldbrook) (902) 679-2822. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca