1944 – 2020
It is with the greatest sorrow to announce the passing of Geert (Gerry) Pieter Winter of Claresholm, & Gladys Ridge, Alberta. Gerry passed away on April 13th, 2020, at the young age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gerry was born on a farm in Giethoorn, Netherlands to Pieter and Abeltine Winter, where he grew up in a close-knit family with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. His passion for farming and a deep entrepreneurial spirit led him to Canada to begin a life-long quest to own his own farm.
Gerry immigrated in 1967 where he began as a farmhand in southern Alberta. He married Janine and had 2 children Michelle and Scott. While working full time and raising a family, he attended night school at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) where he attained a diploma and designation as a Certified Engineering Technologist.
Always a businessman at heart, after several years of working for others, Gerry ventured into self-employment and co-founded Anchor Pipe & Steel Ltd. He brokered pipe deals from his home in Calgary and began building this business. Opportunity knocked in 1987, when he was able to expand through the purchase of a steel yard at Gladys Ridge, Alberta. Here he finally achieved his dream to include his sought-after farm.
In 2007 Gerry re-married to Corrie Veenkamp and together they spent this next stage of his life sharing his many passions: travelling with Corrie and his sister Hilda, spending time with his children and grandchildren, farming and tending to his sheep and finally building their dream home on the farm. His travels brought him back to Holland several times where he could remain close to his Dutch family and heritage. He was a proud Dutchman who embraced his life in Canada and all that it offers.
Gerry’s prominent stature was only surpassed by his caring heart. His compassion and generosity towards those around him was apparent in his every action. He lived his life to his fullest, and fought for everything he believed in. He was a man with a smile and was often the energy in the room.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife Corrie, sister Hilda (Willem), brothers Hein (Gerrie), and Simon (Ans), and his children Michelle (Gerald), Scott (Colette), and his grandchildren Canyon, Aniela, Aiden, Conrad, and Brandon. He was predeceased by his parents Pieter & Abeltine, brothers Henry and Jans (Froukje), and his sister Ina (Johan).
A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced in the future when friends and family can safely gather together. Donations can be made in Gerry’s memory to the High River Hospital Foundation for palliative care. To express condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd. (High River) 403 652 2222.