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They made the Ultimate Sacrifice
GROOT-KOERKAMP, Gerald Peter - Gerald Peter's courageous 14-year battle to live each day to its fullest despite cancer, has quietly come to an end, at the age of 46. Gerry was born on October 31st, 1966 in Ottawa, Ont. and passed away peacefully at home in Eastern Passage, on January 12th, 2013. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Groot-Koerkamp (of Dunrobin, Ont.) Gerry is survived by, and the cherished son of Lambertus and Eleanor (Lane) Groot-Koerkamp of Dunrobin; his dearly beloved wife of 24 years, Dee Ann Morgan-Groot-Koerkamp of Eastern Passage; dearly loved children, Alexander and Evan Groot-Koerkamp of Eastern Passage; his sisters, Anne-Marie (Greg) Coffin of McKinney, Tex.; Diane Groot-Koerkamp (Rob McMillan) of Beaverton, Ont.; Dinie (Bruce) Reed of Ottawa; Margaret Groot-Koerkamp of Abbotsford, B.C.; and Lisa Groot-Koerkamp of Ottawa; his uncle and aunt (godparents); Martin and Estelle Lane of Ottawa; and all of his aunts and uncles in the Netherlands. He is loved and remembered by his adored 12 nieces and nephews, many cousins, friends, and co-workers, both past and present. Gerry left Ottawa in 1987 to serve his country on an ocean he had never seen. He met and married his wife in Halifax, and spent time serving in both Halifax and Esquimalt, B.C. during his proud and honorable 16-year career as a Naval Weapons Technician. More recently Gerry worked for Wolseley Canada, Eastern Region. Over the years Gerry had given the gift of his time to a variety of organization including, but not limited to, Scout's Canada, Belmont Park Community Council, Bluefins Swim Club, Swim Nova Scotia, spending countless hours officiating at many swim meets around the province for Age Group, Varsity, and Summer swim programs, as well as Special Olympics. Most recently he volunteered his time for the Navy League of Canada and 339 RCSCC Iroquois. At Gerry's request, a celebration of his life will be held at a date to be announced. Gerry's family wishes to extend sincere thanks to all of the health care providers and support staff at Capital Health, the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, Palliative Care, Community Care, VON, and Bayshore Home Health. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in Gerry's name to one of the fore mentioned registered non-profit organizations or Kid Sport Nova Scotia.
Ships served in:
In Service of Canada - RCN Peacetime Casualty Index
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