Gerrit (Gary) Johannes Veeneman
October 21, 1948 - April 25, 2021
Tribute
Rev. Gerrit, “Gary” Veeneman passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2021 with his wife and children by his side.
He is mourned and lovingly remembered by Elizabeth, his wife of 49 years, along with their children: Shellie (Vince) Power, Geoffrey (Shannon) Veeneman, Christopher (Kristine) Veeneman, and Michael (Angela) Veeneman. He is also missed by 13 grandchildren: Isaac, Danica, Susie, Zachary, Carlyn, Noah, Jonah, Caleb, Eva, Mylah, Jaxon, Olivia, and Elysha.
Gerrit is predeceased by his parents, Pim and Gerben Veeneman. He is survived by his siblings Dirk Veeneman (Maaike), Anita Veeneman (Ken), John Veeneman (Barb), Ron Veeneman (Sandy), Jo Ann Ouwinga (Paul), and James Veeneman (Bev).
Gary was born on October 21, 1948 in Lacombe Alberta. He met his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Veeneman (nee de Ruyter) at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and they were married on August 21, 1971.
Gary and Liz moved many times in their early years together. They returned to Grand Rapids Michigan in 1976 for Gary to study at Calvin Theological Seminary and pursue a calling as Minister of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church. Gerrit served his Lord and Saviour faithfully and lived out his calling in service to the congregations of Listowel CRC and Fruitland CRC (Ontario) before moving to Abbotsford, BC to serve at Trinity CRC.
Pain and disability led to an early retirement but did not stop his involvement in church or ministry. His passion for proclaiming God’s word led him to continue preaching and serving several vacant churches. Gary also participated in different ministry opportunities throughout several visits to the Philippines. He loved visiting and supporting the work of Seeds of Dignity, Clean Water International as well as preaching at All Nations Church.
Gerrit was a very supportive and loving husband, a strong and dependable father, and caring and cherished Opa. His witty humour, wise words, and deep love for all people will be missed by many.
A celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of Gerrit will be held on Saturday May 8 at 2:00pm, at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford. In-person attendance is limited to immediate family with live streaming available for remote attendance. The link for the service will be posted on the main page of trinitycrc.ca
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Darrin and Cosette Hertzog
Relation: Friend and coworker of Geoff
Our thoughts are with you and your family Geoff
From: Marguerite Jacobson
Relation: parishoner
My deepest sympathies. I always enjoyed having Rev. Veeneman at my church growing up in Listowel CRC. He loved his Lord!
From: Karel Boersma
Relation: College friend
Liz, and Family
I knew Gary in another lifetime and although we’ve had a few conversations over the years, and traveled in different worlds, I fully expected our paths to cross and I’m sure they will when my time comes… Gary had an infectious personality, a genuine warmth and a laugh that could illuminate the darkest spaces. Even though many years have past, I count him a dear friend and mourn his passing. He joins that “cloud of witnesses” where he is welcomed with love as we say farewell.
From: Roger Hoekstra
Relation: Friend
Our condolences and prayers to Liz and the family. Gary was a good friend and Pastor and he will be missed.
Roger & Annette Hoekstra
From: Wiebe Geerts
Relation: with much laughter
My condolences to you and your children Liz. Our (Dini and I ) friendship goes back many years. God has blessed us all that way. Bill
From: Catharina, Malinda, Emile, and Cal
Relation: Family
Sending so much love to Aunt Liz, Shellie, Geoffrey, Christopher and Michael, beautiful tribute to Uncle Gary .. with you all viewing from Toronto.
From: Juanita Reitsema
Relation: Church family
Liz, Shelley, Geoff, Chris, Mike and families. My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of someone so “large” in your lives. Pastor Gary will be missed by so many, but I pray for the comfort only our God can provide to be especially felt by those of you who will miss him most. And may His strength be yours in the days and weeks and months ahead.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
May 8, 2021
Beginning at 2:00pm
A celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of Gerrit will be held on Saturday May 8 at 2:00pm, at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford. In-person attendance is limited to immediate family with live streaming available for remote attendance. The link for the service will be posted on the main page of trinitycrc.ca
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
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