Mr. Gerry Van Der Rassel died unexpectedly on April 08, 2015 in Thunder Bay, ON at the age of 66.
Gerry was born on March 15, 1949 in Mattawa, ON to Gerard & Francis. He grew up on the family farm in Mattawa, and at 16 he decided to forge out on his own making stops in Thunder Bay, Kenora & Winnipeg; before making his permanent residence in Thunder Bay with his Wife Lorraine.
He found a passion for fixing vehicles & driving tractor trailer across Canada & the U.S. Gerry was accomplished at repairing cars and often helped anyone he could.
He was an extremely generous, witty & dedicated individual who loved being outdoors and who was passionate about learning new things. He was always there when anyone needed him whether it was to sit and talk, tell a joke, give advice or a helping hand as his lifelong friends will attest.
Gerry is survived by his wife, Lorraine; stepchildren, Shirley, Melanie (Jessy), Marty (Trina), Ely (Crystal), stepson/Godson Gerry (Nina), Goddaughter Dawn Deiuliis; brother Ján (Darice); childhood friend, Faith Ackerman; best friend, Peter (Brenda) Deiuliis; grandchildren, Cody & Justin Mayer, Angelina & Marshall Russell, Ethan & Katherine Haynes, Destiny & Telerah Woods, Madison & Kristoph Russell & adopted grandchildren, Donté & Aiden Harris. He is preceded in death by his father Gerard, mother Francis & his sister & brothers.
Cremation has already taken place with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gerry's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Heart & Stroke Foundation or Epilepsy Canada.
The family would like to thank Superior North EMS & Thunder Bay Regional HSC for their care.
Gerry Van Der Rassel will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.
