Peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2024, our beloved father and pake went home to be with the Lord. Gerry was born on April 4, 1938 in Fryslan, Nederland. He was preceded in death by his parents Aafke and Jacob de Graaf, and brothers Louis, Andy and sister Wilma.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Tieteke (nee Vandervelde) and their caring children, Jeffrey, Jayson, Jerome and Tricia-Vanita (Tim Pocius), his four grandchildren Casimir, Jerome-Gelt, Famke, River and his sisters-in-law, Rudi Van Holst, Ebby Van Dyk and Kathy de Graaf.
At the family’s request there will be no visitation, however interment at Woodland Cemetery will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at First Christian Reformed Church Hamilton (on the corner of Charlton and Hess Streets) at 11:00 a.m.. Livestreaming can be viewed at https://www.firsthamilton.ca/im-new/listen-in/
Gelt was a great person and a wonderful friend. He was funny and reliable and enjoyed a good joke. We will miss him greatly.
Dear Gelt, we will meet again in heaven.
John and Jennifer Bakker
Dear de Graff Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle Gerry. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and support of your family and friends.
With deepest sympathy,
Pete and Julia Vandervelde
My condolences for the family of Gelt/Gerry de Graaf. Hé was a member of my family in Ternaard in Friesland, the Netherlands. My pake was Siebe de Graaf and my dad’s name was also Gelt de Graaf. God bless you and give you strenght and comfort!
I am sorry to hear about Uncle Gerry’s passing and my deepest condelences to Aunt Tieteke and the family. He was my favorite uncle and a super nice man and I will muss him. Rest in peace Uncle Gerry.
May you feel peace and comfort as you celebrate all the beautiful memories with your Dad, Grandpa, spouse, etc..
All my Love,
Julie Vander Velde
Mrs deGraaf, Jeff,Jason, Jerome and Tricia,
On behalf of my family, wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
I can still remember early years of gathering at your home, the impeccable gardens and the warm welcoming of the degraaf home. Thinking of each of you.
I have known Jerry for many decades-a caring soft spoken man.
He had a beautiful voice and we sang some duets at chesley lake camp.
Both Jerry and my husband Jack are singing…praises in heaven…..may be ….may be in their Friesian language! (
they were very proud of their heritage!
,May they both rest in peace !m
My sincere condolences to the family with their loss.
Our condolences for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Wishing you all strength and healing in knowing he is at rest peacefully.
Dear Trisha and family,
I know from your wonderful stories that your family is filled with caring and kindness.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Love,
Sarah
Our condolences for the de Graff family. We are so sorry for your loss. As time passes, may you find comfort in remembering the good times together.
Evert and Yvonne Nieboer
My condolences to you, Tieteka, and your family. I always remember Gerry fondly when he and Johan would get together. Laughter would ensue.
Remember Gerry with happiness,