LORNE - Gerrit Smees, 80 of Lorne, Pictou County, passed away Friday, August 20, 2010 in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Aalten, Holland, he was a son of the late Johan Hendrik and Drika Hermina (Doornink) Smees.
From 1953-1983 Gerrit owned and operated Crown Dairy Farm in Lorne, Pictou County. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton and a former Elder and Deacon of the former Christian Reformed Church in New Glasgow where he sang with the choir and the church quartet.
Gerrit was very musical and enjoyed playing the Harmonica and Accordion and listening to gospel song services.
He is survived by his wife the former Dina Johanna Heusinkveld, Lorne; daughter Innie (Walter) Dykstra, Hopewell; Opa to Kevin and Janet, Trevor and Rebecca, Derek and Nichole, son, Henry (Grace) Smees, Hamilton; Opa to Lisa, Rhonda and Kyle and Nathan, son John (Nelly) Smees, Lorne; Opa to Travis and Jennifer, Amanda and Brennan, Ashley and Shane, daughter Ria (Don) MacDonald, Trenton; Opa to Jonathan, Angela and Brody, Ariel, a son Eric (Darlene) Smees, Lorne; Opa to Kirsten and Samantha. Also Opa to his great-grandchildren: Zachary and Kyle Dykstra, Chloe and Lily Dykstra, Sydney Smees, Alana Peck, Ryan Loranger and Hailey MacKenzie, a brother Jan, Damwolde, Holland; sisters, Dora, Pictou and Hattie, Oraville, Washington; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by sisters, Sina and Grada.
His remains rested in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton on Monday. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday from the First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton, with Rev. Charles McPherson officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall with burial to take place in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Gerrit may be made to the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Society or to the Nova Scotia Lung Association.
The family would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to the staff of 5 South, Dr. Gerry Farrell and staff of the Palliative Care Unit, and to the doctors of the West Side Medical Clinic.
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