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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
REITSMA, Gerard G. (Bill) - Gerard's life came to a peaceful end on January 9 at the KinVillage Care Home in Tsawwassen, BC. He was 86 years old. Gerard was one of eight children born to Gerrit Reitsma and Tetje Wynia of Bentley, Alberta. Gerard joined the Royal Canadian Navy in May 1949 and received his basic training at HMCS Cornwallis. He served in the Korean War on board HMCS Cayuga 1950-1952. After the war, as part of the Navy's Special Services Branch, he became an expert in signals intelligence and served at HMC NRS Churchill. It was here, in 1953, that he met Wren Doreen Patterson (1927-2000), whom he would later marry in 1960. From 1955 to 1971, Gerard was stationed at the Vancouver Wireless Station VWS-Ladner, which was then a centre of Cold War operations. He also accepted unique missions at the wireless base in Alert, located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. In later years, Gerard worked as a bookkeeper for Sparmac Timber, and in his retirement, developed his artistic side as he photographed and painted many of Delta's historic buildings. His paintings were made into a series of art cards, and his artwork today graces the walls of many homes. Gerard was also a member of the Tsawwassen Curling Club, and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 289 Tsawwassen. The family wishes to thank the staff at KinVillage for providing Dad with excellent care, Dr. Stewart Noble for his support as family physician, the kind volunteers at Delta Hospice Society, and Kim Muzyka for her dedicated friendship to Dad over the years. Please join Gerard's sons, Raymond Reitsma (Will Fong) and Richard Reitsma (Michelle), and their families in a celebration of life for Gerard Reitsma on Saturday, February 3, at 11:00 am, at the Ladner United Church, 4960 48th Avenue, Delta. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Religious Service Information Ladner United Church 4960 48th Ave Delta, BC V4K 4X6 (Delta Optimist 19 Jan 2018)
Ships served in: CFS ALERT CFS LADNER
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