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BILL (GERRIT WILLIAM ) VAAGS
Born: Nov 05, 1934
Date of Passing: Sep 12, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBILL (GERRIT WILLIAM ) VAAGS November 5, 1934 - September 12, 2017 Peacefully, with his family by his side, Gerrit William Vaags was lifted into the loving arms of His Heavenly Father on September 12, 2017. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Bertha Vaags (née Buis); his son Rick (Anny); daughters, Nancy (Gilles), Darlene (Pete), Brenda (Dick) and Adriana (Trevor). Opa also leaves behind to celebrate his memory, his grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua, Joel, Michael, Sean, Lizanne (Raymond), Julie (Brett), Janelle (Riley), Deanne (Mike), Justin (Maggie), Tessa (Brayden), Danica (Hendrik), Lea, Kelly (Lars), Alana and Kayla (Matt); and his great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Ylenia, Félix, Geneviève, Dylan, Blake, Alexis and Leif. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Willem Westervelt, George Buis (Jan), and Jack Buis; sisters-in-law, Joyce Vaags, Sarah Polet (Tom), Audrey Vaags, Gertie Wanjohi (Gerald), Mary Vanderbyl, Diane Van Hoff, Wilma Vanderploeg (Albert) Adriana Uken, Greta Hoekstra (Joel) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Johan and Hannah Vaags; sister Rika Westervelt; brothers, Johan Vaags, Harry Vaags, John Vaags, Adolf Vaags; brothers-in-law, Gerritt Vanderbyl, Aubrey Van Hoff; sister-in-law Elaine Buis; nephews, Martin Westervelt and Steve Jasperse; and niece Debra Vanderbyl. Dad was born November 5, 1934 in Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands on the family farm and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1948. He met the love of his life, Bertha, when he was 18 and they were married March 1st, 1956. Over the next few years they were blessed with five children. They started farming in Dugald in 1959 and built up the family farm over the years with son Rick joining the operation. Dad was overjoyed to see that his grandsons were also joining the farm. Dad gave 37 years of service to Manitoba Pork starting in 1973, 11 of those as Chairman. He was a Director of Canadian Pork Council in Ottawa starting in 1980 until 2004, five years of which he was President. He was the Founding Director of Canada Pork International in 1991 and President for 6 years. His involvement in these organizations took him all over the world on trade missions, including seven times to Japan. In 1987, Dad, Mom and the family were recognized by the Red River Exhibition as the Manitoba Farm Family of the year. In 1989, Dad was appointed as chair of the Sectorial Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT) for agriculture, food and beverage as well as other trade advisory committees that reported to the Federal Minister for International Trade. He was quite involved globally in General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) talks in Geneva and Brussels as well as NAFTA talks closer to home. In 2006, he was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame and in 2010, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Manitoba Pork Council at their AGM. A memorial notice from Canada Pork International can be found at: http://www.cpc-ccp.com/press_release.php Dad will always be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father and Opa. He liked nothing better than to be with his family and thoroughly enjoyed all the large family gatherings at their home in Dugald. Nothing would make Dad happier than seeing little ones surround him. In his later years, his great-grandchildren would always bring a smile to his face. He will also be remembered for his dedication to the church, steadfast faith and strong beliefs which he passed on to his family. The family would like to thank the staff at Kin Place in Oakbank for their compassionate care during Dad's stay there. We would also like to thank Dr. Hughes, the ER staff and the nursing staff of 5E St. Boniface Hospital for their assistance and compassion during a difficult time. A private interment will take place on Monday, September 18. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord, your God, is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. www.seasonsfunerals.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2017
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I am so sad at the news of Bill Vaags passing away. I first met with Bill about 40 years ago introduced by Larry Segdwick (Manitoba Pork). Since then, we visited each other more than 10 times. I was invited to his house in Dugald some times and enjoyed BBQ . One summer, I greatly thank Bill and his son for giving the great chance for my grand son, "Taiki" , to stay with his son's family for home stay during summer holidays. I am lucky and very happy to have met Bill Vaags and could keep wonderful friendship for my life. May he rest in peace. Shizu Fukuda , Osaka, Japan - Posted by: Shizu Fukuda (One of the Best friends from Japan ) on: Sep 18, 2017
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Bill was the ongoing voice of the Canadian pork industry for the past forty plus years. The rest of us came and went, but Bill was the cornerstone of the industry. Whether you were a producer, processor or a government policy maker, Bill was the go to person on all things pork. Bill was not usually the first person to comment on an agenda item. He waited until the feelings and emotions of the group were expressed. Then Bill contributed his calm, reasoned and broad spectrum analysis. Everyone listened. Not everyone agreed with Bill on every item, but the final decision and course of action was usually based on Bill's knowledge and wisdom. Bill was the rare person who could unite producers in his own community, province, across Canada, North America and the world. His analyses were universally respected by the entire pork industry, government and leaders in other agricultural commodities. His advice was sought by many people, organizations and governments. All knew that it was grounded in real production situations and melded with his vast knowledge of processing, marketing and government policy processes. Bill sought solutions that were of benefit to all participants-not just himself, his industry or his country. Bill was a proud Canadian who injected that pride into the many organizations that sought his counsel. Bertha and the children were a source of unending pride. Bill did not boast of their many accomplishments, but it was a rare meeting where all were not referenced with their achievements. Their contributions held the family and business together while Bill was away. He gave them unlimited credit for allowing him to make his contributions. We have lost a friend, a wise and generous confidant and a great man. Sharon and I will remember Bill forever. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family in this time of loss and grief. Carl Moore & Sharon Hart - Posted by: Carl Moore (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2017
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I was fortunate while I was working as Manager of the Manitoba 4-H program and with the York Benimaru- Japanese connection to have the opportunity to work with Bill as he and Bertha and your family hosted many of the Farewell events for the program. I was impressed with Bill's devotion to the industry, to his wonderful hospitality and to his devotion to , caring of and pride in his family. Our condolences go out to you. May many special memories help ease your loss - Posted by: Joan Clement (acquaintance) on: Sep 16, 2017