Gerry Van Der Meer passed away peacefully in Bruns Hospice House, Walnut Creek, California on Friday, January 25, 2008 at the age of 72 years.
A celebration of life service for his family was held at the Mountainside Room at Bowers on Wednesday, February 6th at 1 p.m. with Jack Bowers presiding.
Born in Leeuwarden, Holland on July 29, 1935, Gerry, with his parents and siblings, arrived in Salmon Arm in 1956. He was a former employee of Super Valu, working for Win and Inez McCall, prior to moving to the larger cities and a few years later to California. He gained national recognition for his salesmanship ability with shoes; working for Neiman Marcus, he was awarded the prestigious Million Dollar of The Year award. He is well remembered and respected for his gentle and kind manner; always had an open home for friends in need.
He was predeceased by his father, George in 1982 and his mother, Grace, in 2002. Gerry leaves his partner, Manny Duero; sister, Faye Smith; brothers, Bob (Elsie), Wilbur (Sonja) and Sandy (Barb); nieces and nephews, Craig (Brigitte), Curtis (Cherie), Chris, Jim (Mave), Shane, Susan (Mike), Beverley (Dave), Sandra (Randy), Linda (Mark), Mike (Ruth), Steven (Celes); and special friends, Larry Crummer and Bill Omen.
Email condolences may be sent to
sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.