Gerrit Van Halteren – It is with sadness and emptiness in our hearts to announce the passing of the greatest man, our father. Husband, Brother, Uncle, Opa and Great Opa. Gerrit Van Halteren, born June 8th, 1933 in Bunschoten, Holland died October 31st, 2022. In Gerrit’s 90th year he is survived by his loving wife Gre van Halteren, children John (Sue), Don (Esther), Jeanne, Gerald (Sheila), Roger and Angie. Predeceased by his mother Aartje and father Douwe, and his brothers Peter, Bill Tymen and his brother-in-law Aris. Survived by his brothers John (Debra), Zeger (Penny), sisters Margaret (Bill), Gertie (Heike), Hillie (Aris) and Klaasje (Henk). Also survived by his 16 grandchildren Jacob, Joshua (Ciara), Holly (Casey), Jeremy (Amy), Mark, Scott (Lisa), Eric (Jessie), Kyle (Katelyn), Kandas (Brett), Gerrit, Caleb, Gracyn, Noah, Emily (Devon), Drew (Jenna) and Devin (Brittany) and 11 Great Grandchildren Tyson, Quinn, Keaton, Isla, Arya, Aiden, June, Finn, Karson, Betty and Warren. Gerrit was an amazing, creative, talented man. In Holland he was trained for tool and die and drafting and then spent 7 years in the Dutch Air Force as a draftsman. He immigrated to Canada in March of 1960 with new wife and 2 year old son Johnny. Gerrit continued with his tool and die career and worked for J. E. Thomas for many years where he apprenticed trained numerous persons in this field. He then became a self made engineer for the automotive industry, Lindsay engineering. Van Halteren Music Centre, under the suggestion of his wife, was started in November 1974 as a family business and continues to operate to this day run by eldest son John. Van Halteren Holdings was also established during this time. He also created VHCase where he designed and produced musical instrument cases run by family. Gerrit had extensively travelled with his loving and perfect travel partner, his wife Grace A.K.A. Gre. The last trip was through the Panama Canal. Everywhere you look on his property you will see his creative work teaching his skills to both sons and daughters. Gerrit suffered from Parkinson’s disease for many years. After two stays at the Ross Memorial Hospital this summer, he became palliative and passed on surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will take place at Celebrations, 35 Lindsay Street North, on Thursday November 17, 2022 from 11:00am until time of service at 1:00pm. A private burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Lindsay. If desired, donations to a charity of your choosing would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made through Mackey Funeral Home via cheque or online at www.mackeys.ca