DE BRUYN – Gerry

When I was a kid, there was God, Jesus, and Opa. I adored my grandfather. I practically worshipped him. I thought he was perfect. And he was only slightly embarrassed when I told him I thought so.

I treasured my relationship with my grandfather. This, I think, was part of his reward, this utter adoration of a grandchild, for the incalculable risk he took decades ago when he and Hanny decided to move their young family to Australia from Holland.

Gerry and Hanny shepherd their family of my mum, Sherry, and my uncles, Ron and Eddie, and my aunt, Linda, through growing up in Morwell and, eventually, Boolarra. Boolarra was where they purchased their block and built their home and garden, becoming part of the fabric of the small town.

By the time I really got to know my grandfather, the hardest years of making a living and raising a family were behind him. He was a busy retiree doing odd electrical work, being Secretary of the Boolarra Cemetery Trust, attending church, and continuing to invest in his community.

Gerry was at his best when supporting friends and family. He was ready to lend a hand and enjoyed connecting people to the things they needed. Gerry loved to yarn and was quite charming at times. He loved coffee and apple tart and cake and the chocolate kept in the tin under the coffee table. He used these simple tools to facilitate conversations and, in doing so, ministered to friends, family and acquaintances with words of encouragement and scripture.

He kept in shape spiritually and physically. He surrounded himself with friends who shared his passion for Christ. He had rotating cast of Christian authors he admired and kept on his bookshelf. Opa loved his “red letter” pocket New Testament and always kept it close to hand. Opa also showed me the importance of keeping in shape physically. He ran regularly, and later, walked daily. He also had some work out equipment in his impeccably organized shed where he could be found in the late afternoon listening to 774 while building up a sweat.

I think it is fair to say that Gerry loved his adopted country. He often told me that Australia was the best country in the world. I personally think the risk he and Hanny took in coming here paid off. Through hard work and determination, Gerry and Hanny built a loving home. Gerry enriched his new country with his extroverted personality and healthy living. Furthermore, with Hanny, he created a legacy with his children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren that will last for generations to come.

I am proud of his accomplishments, I still adore him, and our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Gerry was a very much loved father of Sherry and father-in-law of Phillip, “Opa” of Emily and Nick, Adam, Alexandra and Shem.

He was a man who worked hard and provided well for his family. He was a good husband and father. His grandchildren adored him. He was also a mentor, guide and helper to his many friends.

Gerry walked with Jesus and this was evident in the love he shared to those around him.

We had some great fun times with Dad and Mum and we will treasure these memories closely to our hearts always .

Dad, we will miss your happy smile and your joyful spirit.

Resting in the arms of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 NIV
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
NIV: New International Version

Gerry will always remain in our hearts as a very special man who was a great beacon of light and an instant friend to all that received the good fortune to have met him. A lover of people, Gerry could touch your heart in an instant. Always kind, always caring. I feel truly blessed that Gerry was a part of my life and I thank him for all of the loving kindness that he showered over me. He will never be forgotten and I know that many will continue to be touched by the legacy that he left us with.. to feel the love of God and give it out to all those who cross your path. Gerry did that. My heart goes out to all of the family for their great loss. May they be comforted by knowing that he is now home with God.

Thanks Hanny for letting us know that Gerry has left his earthly live.
Indeed Gerry was a great friend and a great follower of the Lord Jesus.
He was always ready to help. A true friend who will be dearly missed.
In our memory forever, Tetsje & Johannes Elgersma

Gerry, I am so very grateful for both yours & Hanny’s choice, in bringing your young family to Australia, so long ago, to start a new life. In so doing, you enabled me to meet & thereby share my life with, my dearest friend Sherry & the rest of your family as well.
Though you have left us, you are now with our precious Lord, a place you have yearned to be, once your time here was done.
I will always be forever inspired by your LEGACY.
You lived & walked your faith every day, forever seeking ways in which you could be there for both family & friends, devoting your life to encouraging & helping ALL to not only KNOW how precious they were but also FEEL His Love, thru all you strived to do for them.
Your joy of life & Faith, was felt by all who knew you.
Your voice was heard, both loud & clear, as you sang your Praises, of the One you loved so much & sought to serve, as best you could. Your laughter & sense of fun brought joy to our hearts & your encouragements, strength.

From a grateful heart, thank you, so much Gerry, for everything. 💖

Matt 25:23…. well done good & faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord…. 💖

To Hanny, Sherry, Ron, Linda, Eddie & families, may His Love, Comfort, Peace & Joy, Gerry’s LEGACY & your precious memories of a life well lived, comfort, strengthen & uplift you all, during this time.
Mary 💖💖💖

I was made aware of Gerry’s passing through social media and it brought back many memories of our family living next door to him and his beautiful family when they were in Morwell. Gerry was everything we, as children, longed for as a father figure. He truly was an amazing man and helped our mum during some very trying times. I can recall being asked to go with his family on a camping holiday to Wilson’s Promontory and I had the absolute best time with Sherry, Ron, Eddie and little Linda. Memories are like gold, they never grow old. To Hanny, and family please know that we hold Gerry’s contribution to us, the Mrzygloski family, in high esteem and he will be welcomed in heaven with open arms. We extend our sincere and deep condolences to each and every one of You. xxxx
Klaus, Margitta (Dec), Anna, Peter and John.

Dear Hanny, Sherry, Linda, Ron and Eddie and your families.

My sympathies are with you. Gerry will be dearly missed.

I always enjoyed Gerry’s company and will always remember the times shared in good conversations and coffee.

Much love

Jos

Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy to Hanny & Family , we have many Fond memories of Gerry , Jim & Carol parry

Dear Hanny and Family.
We are remembering happy times with Gerry
during morning walks in the Boolarra bush, also
the many times he helped with electrical jobs.
It was a lovely service.
Take care. Love Les and Meryl Hunt

To Hanny and Family
Thinking of you all in this sad time
Love Micheal and Trudy Norris
Xxxx

Dear Hanny, and family . Blessings to you all. Gerry, a joyful,
warm , friendly and encouraging man , full of life and the love of God . We appreciated knowing him and the enthusiasm he brought with him.
Kind a Regards
John and Heather Galbraith

So many memories of Gerry, from his neighborly visits in Boolarra, as we shared the same street for many years,, to him visiting St Peter’s Cafe during his last days, for a cuppa and some apple tart. Always a joy to see as he shared he’s smile and warm heart.

Our family shared very similar stories, as immigrants from Holland. No doubt a blessing for my parents to have other Dutch folk near by.

I will miss Gerry and he’s love for Jesus but am comforted to know I’ll see him again in Heaven, for some more laughs and singing praise to our God together.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the DeBruyn family.Wishing you peace to bring comfort,courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts ..God bless you all.❤️❤️❤️❤️