SCHUURMAN, Gerrit

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Gerrit Schuurman announce his passing on May 23rd, 2020 at the age of 83 at the Bignucolo Residence in Chapleau. Loving husband to Joan Schuurman for 57 years.  Gerrit will be fondly remembered by his children: Gerrit Bruce (Nicolle), Catherine (Ricky) Marcotte, Michael (Lisa) and Elizabeth (Leonard) Anderson. Proud Opa of Anthony, Maigen, Melissa, Robert, Shane, Kendra, Nathan and Mathew. Great-Opa to Logan and Abigail.  Son of the late Gerrit and Grada (nee Burghout) Schuurman.  Predeceased by his siblings and their spouses the late Hendrikus/Henk (the late Jantje/Jenny), the late Jannetje/Janny (the late Arthur) Woolley, the late Johannes/John (Margaret) and the late Frederick/Fred.  Gerrit will also be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and friends. 
Gerrit is best known as a hard-working family man. He owned and operated the family working farm as well as a full logging operation for 44 years. Gerrit was most proud of his children and their families and the legacy that he will be leaving behind. He was declared an honorary member in March 2015 by the Iron Bridge Lions Club for his dedicated service and volunteer work over many years. In March 2010, Gerrit suffered a massive stroke and as a result he became a resident of Golden Birches in Blind River. Despite the many challenges Gerrit faced following his stroke, he always portrayed a genuine smile and a happy disposition to those around him. In May 2019, Gerrit moved to the Bignucolo Residence in Chapleau and resided there until his final day. 
The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at both Golden Birches in Blind River and Bignucolo Residence in Chapleau for their unwavering professionalism, inclusion of the family in ongoing decision making, the compassion they provided towards our family over the years and the care they provided to our loving Father/Opa/Great-Opa. Thank you to the staff of the Bignucolo Residence and the Activation Department most recently during the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, for providing daily video chats, organizing window visits and the numerous updates which were greatly appreciated.The family would also like to thank Dr. K. Saari for the care given to Gerrit and to the staff present at his passing for their compassion and care they extended towards our family. 
A private graveside ceremony will be held for immediate family members only. A celebration of life ceremony will be organized by the family at a later date. Family and friends will be notified at such time. Memorial donations in Gerrit’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Golden Birches or Bignucolo Residence and would be greatly appreciated by the family.  Arrangement entrusted to Menard Funeral Home, Blind River.