Obituary of Jerry Bergsma

BERGSMA, Jerry Our beloved Jerry died on March 14, 2017, at the age of 80 years. We give thanks to God that we could share in his life, a good life, well lived. Jerry was a blessing to us and to so many and he will be greatly missed. Jerry was the treasured husband and soul-friend in love and faith of Dr. Dianne, nee Ippel; cherished Dad of Folkert John and Lucie, Helena Spiering, Adrian John, Anna and Rick Murre, Deborah and Rick Kaczkan. Much-loved Grandpa of Jimi, Jasmine, Jodie, Lisa, Monica, Alex, Jackson, Ellen, David and Sarah, Jake, Teresa, Helena, and Great-Grandpa of Maddison and Danny. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Neil, Henk and Diny, Bouwe and Karen, Teresa and Joe Boone, Mary R., Mary K., John and MargAnne, Keith and Sue Ippel, Adriana Slutsky, John and Sonia Ippel. Dear uncle, cousin, and friend. Jerry was co-owner of F. Bergsma and Sons Ltd., Plumbing, Heating and Electrical in St. Catharines. He was an Associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 350 in Port Dalhousie. He sang with the Niagara Regional Police Male Chorus, the Niagara Men’s Chorus, and in the church choir where his voice enhanced many Sunday morning anthems. Thank you to all for your prayers, hugs, and acts of kindness shown to Jerry and our family. Thanks and appreciation to Dr. P.S. Pringle, Dr. G.A. Arvinte, Chaplains Sister Louise and Rev. Jack, and the Nurses and Staff at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care. Special thanks to Rev. Paul James and the congregation of St. David’s-Queenston United Church for their prayerful and loving care and support. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. David’s-Queenston United Church, 1453 York Road, St. David’s. If desired, donations may be made to a scholarship at the Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto, in memory of Jerry and his dedication to life-long learning.