In the early afternoon of Sunday April 7, 2024, Gerd (Gary) Winfred Heidebrecht of Welland passed away peacefully at the Royal Rose Place nursing home in Welland at the age of 83. Survived by his wife of 55 years Sylvia, a resident of Royal Rose Place, and their son Michael of Welland.
Predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Grete Heidebrecht, his in-laws Herbert and Thelma Arbour, his sister Irmgard, brothers-in-law Rainer Augsten, Bill Watson, Frank Murray and John Kent, sisters-in-law Valerie Murray, Joan Kent, and Karen MacKenzie.
Gerd was born in the German free state of Gdansk, now Gdanzig, in modern day Poland on October 21, 1940, the 3rd of 4 children. He served in the Canadian Army both in Canada and overseas in Germany for 6 years. After attending George Brown College for Appliance Service Technician, he was employed at Eaton-Yale then Westinghouse and finally Eatons. He fixed many appliances from fridges/freezers, to stoves, washers/dryers and eventually microwaves.
On May 3rd 1968 he married Sylvia Arbour in Port Robinson. Their son Michael came along in 1973.
Among many hobbies Gerd enjoyed over the years were fishing, boating, swimming, camping and woodworking in his shop. He loved gardening and grew various vegetables over the years ranging in size from a large garden to a smaller scaled down one. The last number of years he enjoyed biking in good weather in various parts of Niagara; the circle route, Steve Bauer trail or to Merritt Island and back along the Welland Canal. Dad also appreciated nature and enjoyed walks along St. John’s Conservation area, the Niagara Gorge and other attractions within the Niagara Region. Both Gerd and Sylvia enjoyed various trips up north in late September or early October to see the colorful leaves in places like Algonquin and Peterborough.
Dad was a very faith and family oriented person. His son Michael was very honored to stand by him last March when he made his baptism and confirmation.
He will be deeply missed by his son Michael, brothers Kurt (Ruth), Ekkehard (Nancy), brothers-in-law Keith (Judy), Dave (Nancy), sisters-in-law Gail Krikke (Jake) and Kathy Watson, as well as many nieces and nephews on both the Heidebrecht and Arbour sides of the family.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff and nurses at St. Catharines General Hospital and the Walker Cancer Clinic; Doctor Wasserman and Dr. Prodger, the staff at Royal Rose, specifically Alison Mullins and Jill Brouwer. You made Gerd’s last few days with Sylvia very comforting and peaceful.
Thank you to Father Paul and Yuander for your prayers and concern during this difficult time.
Family and friends will be received at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street Fonthill on Thursday, April 11th from 2-4 and 6-8pm. The funeral service to honour Gerd's life will take place at the funeral home on Friday, April 12th beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Pleasantview Cemetery. All are then welcomed back to the funeral home for a time fellowship and refreshments.
Donations can be made to the Lung Health Foundation; lunghealth.ca, or the Alzheimer Society; alzheimer.ca/en
Condolences can be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca