Obituary Overview
Forever In Our Hearts
Gerardus Johanus Hendrik Matthyssen passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 89 years of age.
Gerry was born on April 4, 1929 in Semarang, Indonesia, formally the Dutch East Indies. His parents, Gerardus and Grietje Matthyssen moved to Indonesia, from Holland, in 1927, where his father taught Economics and bookkeeping. Gerry, his brother Robert and sister Bernarda were all born in Indonesia. In 1941 war broke out and Indonesia was occupied by Japan. The family was separated and interned in prisoner of war camps. Gerry was 12 years of age at the time and not allowed to stay with his parents. It was very difficult in the camps with little food and forced labour. He had no idea where his family was until 1945 when the war ended. Through the Red Cross, the family was reunited and sent to New Zealand to convalesce. They could not return to Indonesia, as it had declared independence from the Netherlands, and so they returned to Holland. Gerry tried taking training in a number of areas and was drafted into the navy for two years. The economy was in bad shape in Holland because of the war. Gerry decided to immigrate. Canada was advertising for immigrants so he made up his mind to come here. There was only one problem; he had met the love of his life, Elisabeth (Liz) Vervoort and would not leave unless she promised to follow later. Once Liz agreed, Gerry sailed to Halifax in August, 1953. He landed at Pier 21 and made his way, by train, to Regina. He found a job in the boiler room at the Saskatchewan Hotel. He saved enough money for Liz’s airfare and she arrived in Regina in August, 1954. They were married in Regina and started their life together. After five years, Gerry moved to Regina Light and Power, which now is SaskPower. Gerry got his Steam Engineer Certificate and worked for SaskPower until his retirement in 1995.
He was a loving family man and was so happy when his two daughters, Margareth and Monica were born. Gerry made sure his girls got the support and education he never did. He enjoyed travelling, especially the yearly trips to Ottawa to visit Monica and her family. He loved gardening, tinkering in the garage, bowling and reading. In his later years he watched a lot of Jeopardy, curling and football, read National Geographic, and always did the Leader Post crossword puzzle. Gerry was the eternal optimist and bought lottery tickets for over 60 years always hopeful he would win. He was a kind, gentle, considerate man right up until the end.
Gerry leaves to mourn his loving wife Liz Matthyssen; daughter Marg (Greg) Elliott and their children Sarah (Robb) Elchuk, Scott (Brenna) Elliott and Karen (Patrick Palmer) Elliott; daughter Monica (Ron) Zimmer and their children Mark (Tracey) Zimmer and Sean (Alexa) Zimmer. His biggest joy were his great-grandchildren Jillian and Sophie Elchuk, Alexandria and Asher Elliott and Bria Zimmer.
At Gerry’s request, a private graveside was held on December 27, 2018.
Donations in Gerry’s name may be made to Diabetes Canada, www.diabetes.ca, 917 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4R 2P6.
Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 789-8850.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerry Matthyssen 2018..
Source: Regina Funeral Home & Cemetery
Death notice for the town of: Regina, Province: Saskatchewan