GERALD KUIPERS

1951 - 1999

Gerard Willem Kuipers passed away suddenly in his home on Tuesday, August 24, 1999.
He will be deeply missed by his children Thomas, Victoria and Patricia all of Hillsboro, Ohio and his fiancee Henny Etten of the Netherlands. Gerald is also survived by his mother Siementje Kuipers-Fledderman of the Netherlands; sister Rie and her husband Pieter Heero Boer, children Jan Pieter (Ellen, Peter and Linda) and Heero (Heleen, Robert Jan and Steven) of the Netherlands; two brothers, Willem and his wife Riekje, children Benno (Arizona, United States) and Eelco of the Netherlands; Tony and wife Tina, children Josine, Danielle and Simona of Bow Island.
His father, Berend Kuipers, predeceased him in 1959.
Gerald was born December 31, 1951 to Berend and Siementje Kuipers on the family farm in Tjuchem, the Netherlands. Growing up Gerald enjoyed many activities including speedskating, sailing and farming. In 1974, upon completion of Agriculture College in Groningen, he came to Burdett to work for Roelf Buining. Immediately falling in love with Canada, Gerald emigrated in 1975. He began his farming career working along side Joe Bjerkseth until he established his own farm south of Bow Island. In 1984 he moved to his farm by the forty-mile coulee. Gerald had a passion for farming. His devotion to his farm was demonstrated by continuously striving to improve his operation. He was an ambitious and motivated farmer who was always available to support his neighbors and friends.
On January 12, 1983, Gerald’s son Thomas was born followed by the girls, Victoria on August 12, 1984 and Patricia on November 13, 1985. His children brought him great joy and they had a very special place in his heart.
His favorite place was his home by the lake. Gerald spent many happy hours out there with his friends, sharing many laughs and games of cribbage.
Gerald and Henny have enjoyed travelling throughout the last few years. With his spontaneous nature the two would often show up on the doorstep of friends and family without warning.
For those who knew Gerald, he will be remembered with a smile on his face and a story to tell. He had a joy for life and enjoyed socializing with his many friends. Gerald touched peoples’ lives everywhere he went. He lived life to the fullest and will be sadly missed by his family, friends and community.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, August 29, 1999 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 139 - 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Norman Smith officiating. Interment followed at the Bow Island Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gerald’s name may be made to the Bow Island Health Centre, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta TOK OGO.