“Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to place into our national record my commendation of a very extraordinary Canadian; a man who was not only a champion of justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a man deep and compelling faith, but a mentor and cherished friend. His name was Gerald Vandezande.”
It has not been easy for Gerry in the last years. Sometimes in conversation he would tap the side of his head to get that thought out. But even with that, Gerald was still phoning politicians, involved with social advocacy groups, helping family. Gerald was driven by His God, driven by social responsibility. But social…
Gerry referred to me with his slight Dutch lilt as his brother, so I am pleased to be asked to say a few words in tribute to “my brother” today. You know, when Gerry called or visited, you knew he was going to bring “an ask,” and that whatever he asked you were going to…
Wynne, Jan and Paul, Karen and Steve, Gerald and Wynne’s grandchildren, extended family and friends: Gerald asked me to share a few memories and reflections at this event, and I am honoured to do so. My friendship with Gerald began in 1981 in Pittsburgh, where I was living at the time, when Gerald left the…
An unusual person has left our company on this earth, he who was a relentless, indefatigable and blessed peace-maker. Gerald changed the direction of my life for good, as he did for many others. So as friends and acquaintances we mourn the loss of Gerald with you family members who will now miss husband, father,…
Tributes to Gerald Vandezande, given at the funeral service in Toronto, July 21, 2011: Gerrit de Boer, Gerald’s brother-in-law The Hon. John McKay, Member of Parliament for Scarboro – Guildwood Mark Vander Vennen, “For Gerald” Calvin Seerveld, “For a Celebration of Gerald Vandezande’s hope and life”
Born on a snowy Christmas Day in 1933, in Ymuiden, the Netherlands, Gerald Vandezande lived his life reading and sharing the Gospel with others. Gerry, as he liked to be known, believed that as Christians it was our duty to integrate the teachings of the Bible into all aspects of our life. Gerry came to…
If, as Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, the ultimate measure of a man is where he stands at times of challenge and controversy, Gerald Vandezande was truly an exceptional man. Gerry, as he liked to be known, never backed down from a challenge when it came to the causes he believed in. During his career…
Gerald Vandezande (77) passed away peacefully in his armchair at home in Scarborough, ON early on the morning of Saturday, July 16, 2011. Gerald was one of the founders of Citizens for Public Justice in 1963, and continued to be involved as an active member and supporter all the days of his life. He worked…
