GERARDUS JOSEPHUS VAN AERT

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GERARDUS JOSEPHUS (GEORGE) VAN AERT November 5, 1938 - September 25, 2015 On a warm harvest evening, our beloved husband, father, opa, uncle and friend, Gerardus Josephus (George) Van Aert passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at the age of 76 years. George leaves to mourn his wife and soulmate of 53 years, Corry; and their four children, Joe (Marilyn), John, Jim (Roberta), Theresa (Ed); and his grandchildren, Katie (Cody), Kristy, Karlee, Dustin (Chelsea), Adam, Sydney, Nicole (Peter) and Max. He is survived by his brothers, Henry, Kees (Ine); and sister Cathy (Fred) Van Gompel; sisters-in-law, Mary and Rita Van Aert. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Jeanne; brothers, Jack and Adrian; and grandson Jamie. George was born in Breda, Netherlands, and immigrated to St. Pierre with his family in June of 1948, where he farmed with his brothers. In 1961, he met the love of his life, Corry and they were married on June 23, 1962. They bought a farm in East Selkirk, where they worked side by side for 53 years, while raising their family. George previously worked at the Swift Packing Plant and at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre on the Occupational Therapy Farm, while establishing his own farm. George had many passions in life besides the love of his family. He had a love for the land and for animals, whether it was cattle, pigs or pets. He could grow anything from an amazing vegetable garden to field crops. Some of George's accomplishments included serving as a delegate for the Manitoba Pork Council, receiving the Environmental Farm Stewardship Award and serving as a trustee for St. Stanislaus Church. Although he never fully retired from farming, George enjoyed fishing, restoring antique cars, carving diamond willow canes, and travelling to various tropical destinations such as Hawaii, Barbados, Costa Rica and Mexico. George and Corry spent 14 winters as snowbirds in Weslaco, Texas, where they made many special and lasting friendships. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Beausejour Hospital for their excellent care and compassion, and special thanks to family and friends that came to visit during George's stay. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2015 at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 702 Henderson Hwy., East Selkirk, MB with Father John McKenzie officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. I Am With You Still I give you this one thought to keep - I am with you still - do not weep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the sweet uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still - in each new dawn. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2015