Obituary of Gerald Put
PUT, Gerald
After a rich and remarkable life, Gerald Put passed away quietly in the early hours of Saturday, March 31, 2018. He was born March 6, 1925, in Arnhem, Netherlands, and had just recently celebrated his 93rd birthday. Following military service with the Allied Forces in World War II and in Indonesia, he immigrated from his homeland to Vancouver Island in 1951, soon after marrying his bride Olga Mallant, a school teacher he met through his friendships with her brothers. Gerald spent his entire career as an Industrial Forester in the Forest Industry in Canada and abroad, and then finally retired as a Director with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Industry, Trade and Commerce. He was a scholarly man of many talents, and with Olga always at his side for almost 70 years, he lived a rich and remarkable life. Predeceased by his parents and his brother Henk, Gerald is survived by his beloved and loving wife; sons, Martin (Charlene), John (Sylvia), Fred (Donna), George (Gail), and Peter (Kathy); daughter Margaret; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Bert (Emmy) in Peachland, BC and their two daughters; and sister-in-law Ans, two daughters and son. The family express their deepest gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and all of the hospital staff at Pasqua and General Hospitals, for their kindness to Gerald over the years. A special thank you to his long-time physician and friend Dr. Braam Vermeulen for the attentive care he always provided Gerald. A very special thank you to Linda and the wonderful William Booth community, where Gerald so enjoyed the “Day Program” several days each week. He was immensely fond of all of the staff, revelling in good-natured banter with the nurses, and always delighted to oblige anyone’s requests to play piano. And finally, Gerald also wanted to bid a fond farewell to his Regina Gyro Club, Senators, and coffee club friends, where old and new friends gathered regularly to share lively discussion and laughter. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Gerald’s life at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Cam Fraser presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations to William Booth Special Care Home or the Regina hospitals would be gratefully accepted.
