Gerrit Luimes

Gerrit Luimes, a resident of the Bayfield Manor Nursing Home in Kemptville for the past 12 years, passed away on Mon., June 30, 2008. He was 75.
He was born in Aalten, The Netherlands, on July 30, 1932 Rudolf and Hendrika Luimes (nee Sellink). At the age of 18 he emmigrated by himself to Ontario with the responsibility of evaluating the area for potential immigration for the rest of the family. His family eventually emmigrated to Canada in 1953.
He worked from Kingston to Ottawa doing farm labour and factory work, and was valued for his amazing mechanical aptitude and precise workmanship. Soon after being chosen out of a crowd of available young men by a beautiful young immigrant named Willemina van Galen, the couple moved to Grand Rapids, MI so that Gerrit could study at Calvin College. After a couple of years Gerrit left school and returned to work throughout southeastern Ontario.
In spite of nearly a life-long battle with schizophrenia, Gerrit continually strived to provide what he could for his wife, family, and church community.
He is survived by his wife, his children Ralph (Debra) of Caledonia, Henry (Pythia) of Hanesville, Rita (Barry) Bergsma of Brinston, John (Sue) of Morewood, Steve (Jane) of Hudsonville, MI, Tim (Cynthia) of St. Thomas, Wilma (Rick) Kirk of Chico, CA, Gerald (Jody) of Cardinal; and his siblings Sena Reitsma of Kingston, Albert (Alice) of Canterbury, NB, Hank (Anne) of Wasaga Beach, Linda (Cy) Minnema of Brampton, Dianne Moll of Kingston, and Rita (Gerrit) Hiemstra of Navan. Gerrit will be fondly remembered by 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother John. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on July 4, and on July 5 at Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church until the time of the funeral service with Rev. John Noordhof officiating. Interment followed at New Union Cemetery in Williamsburg. The pallbearers were sons Ralph, Henry, John, Steve, Tim, and Gerald.
Donations to Timothy Christian School or the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church would be appreciated by the family.