GIJSBERT CRIELAARD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GIJSBERT CRIELAARD February 4, 1931 - January 23, 2016 Peacefully, in his wife's arms at the Heath Sciences Centre, Gijsbert passed away at the age of 84 years. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marlene, two children Michele Roush and her husband Patrick, Mark Crielaard and his wife Jan, and by four grandchildren Emily Kaufman, Hannah Kaufman, Cameron Crielaard and Amy Crielaard. Gijsbert was predeceased by his sisters Dittie and Adrie, and by his brother Leen. Left to mourn are brothers Ruud, Cees and his wife Tiny, Jan and his wife Joke, Henk and his wife Wilma, sister Fea de Raad and her husband Ad, and sister-in-law Annie Crielaard, all of the Netherlands. Gijsbert grew up in the area of The Hague and as a young man developed a taste for adventure and travel. He hitchhiked through Europe in the 1950s and then came to Canada in 1957. He started off his Canadian life in Montreal working as a hospital porter at the Montreal General Hospital. He later moved to Alberta where he and Trude van Klaveren started their family and where Gijsbert eventually found work within the Federated Co-op System. In 1970 the family moved to Winnipeg and it turned out to be the place Gijsbert would spend the rest of his life. He returned back to school in his 40s studying psychology at the University of Winnipeg. He then worked in human resources both within the Co-op system and at Versatech Industries. Until his retirement he worked as a caregiver and advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Gijsbert had an outgoing personality and made friends easily. He valued relationships and nurtured them. He loved nature, hiking, camping, music, literature, travel, photography, and road trips. He greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up to become strong, independent people. As he got older he became reacquainted with his Dutch family, traveling to the Netherlands often and enjoying many Crielaard family events. The family thanks Dr. Araneda and Dr. Dowhanik of D5 for ensuring Gijsbert was kept comfortable in his final days. Gijsbert spent more than a year in the Health Sciences Centre. His time there was most difficult in the beginning of his admission but over time he was able to accept care and was grateful for all the kind and caring unit assistants, constant care attendants and nurses that helped him cope on a daily basis. The family extends their gratitude to all involved in Gijsbert's care. Marlene gratefully acknowledges the love and support shown by her siblings and their families the last couple of years and special friends Cheryl Martens and Cindy Hiebert. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's "Share The Music" fund, which provides underprivileged youth an opportunity to hear live orchestral music. Gijsbert will be dearly missed by all whose hearts he touched. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2016