Johannes Theodor Gesink
September 8th, 2022
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our Dad/Opa, Theo Gesink.
Theo was born in 1928 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to Anna and Gustav. He married the love of his life, Mia (late), in 1953. He is survived and dearly missed by their four daughters Mies (Grant), Annelies (Allain), Grace (Kevin), and Kirsten, as well as eleven grandchildren, Allen (Melanie), Mia (Carlos), Rachael, Victoria; Michael, Matthew, Sarah (Reese); Andrew (Tally), Roxanne (Michael), Amanda (Courtney); Anna, and five great grandchildren, Ashton, Amelia, Braydon, Casimir, and a new one on the way. He has joined his sister Fried (late) and will be much missed by his surviving sister Ellie, as well as many other family members and friends.
His life was one of adventure that took him all over the world, including The Netherlands, Indonesia, Rwanda Urundi (now Burundi), the Belgian Congo (now the DRC), England, Cambodia, and finally, Canada, where he settled, firstly in the Vancouver area, then moving to the Montreal area for five years until he was able to come back to his beloved British Columbia.
His career with Volkswagen Canada as Parts and Service Manager for Western Canada spanned many years and was a great source of pride. He remained in touch with his colleagues over the years and always looked forward to the monthly lunches with them, which continued until quite recently.
His deep faith was a cornerstone of his life that sustained and supported him during the difficult and the beautiful times of his life. He was a long-time attendee at the Westminster Bible Chapel and served in many capacities during his years there. He also volunteered with Lighthouse Harbour Ministries for many years, an endeavour that was close to his heart.
His greatest love and source of pride was his family. He was always astounded at the size of the family that had started with Mia and him. As he often said, his life started the day he met Mia. He is with her again.
Theo’s Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Elim Village in the Oasis Centre, https://elimvillage.com/surrey/. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend and recorded for later viewing. Please follow the link for live streaming; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWqXql7rNUw
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Lighthouse Harbour Ministries. https://sealight.org/index.php/donation/
Messages:
Our most profound condolences to Theo’s family for their loss. Theo was one of those people whom I consider to be a mentor when I first started with Volkswagen. He was principled and yet, always putting people first; and that Dutch humor often brought smiles to our faces! His vivacity for life certainly is an inspiration for us, we shall miss him!
Qua Patet Orbis, As Wide As The World. Theo took the motto of the Royal Dutch Marines Corps to heart and lived it with his wife Mia and Family to the fullest. We received news of his passing with sadness and offer his family and descendants our sincere condolences and wish them strength in times ahead. Contact Mariners Canada.
Dear Kirsten: our condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
My condolences to your family over the ‘passing’ of their father and grandfather. He will be missed not only by you but many others. Theo was and continues to be a wonderful brother, friend, and encouragement. His life was a life of adventure firmly rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ—and Theo 'walked the walk.' I look forward to meeting him again.
My deepest sympathy for you Annelies, Alain and Family in the passing of your kind and loving Father. You were so supportive and helpful in the years that I have known you but I am sure he was that kind of a Father as well. May God go with you as you walk this lonely path as you will surely miss your visits with him. Both of you are such kind people with Big Hearts. ❤️
We’ve always considered Theo a role model as we’ve never met anyone who embodied all the qualities one looks for in a truly good man better than Theo. His wisdom, honesty, humour, and deep devotion to his loved ones shone through, always. Over the last years we spoke regularly so Theo was well aware of my admiration for him. Wish I had known that our conversation on his birthday in August would be our last. While I will miss our conversations, Theo will continue to be a cherished memory of a good friend and yes, still a role model.
Theo Gesink was one of the most important contributors to my employment with Volkswagen Canada back in 1981 for what I have been very grateful ever since. Rest in Peace. My deepest Condolences to all members of the family.
Dear family and friends of Theo, I finally got my computer and printer working again and send you our most sincere condolences. Warmly Kurt and Xian
Dear family and friends of Theo, my heartfelt condolences on the death of dear Theo. I wish everyone all the best and a lot of strength for the time to come.... Theo was my dear mother Gisela's cousin. Ever since I was little, I've always heard great stories from Theo and Mia. The contact between the two never broke off until the death of my mother last year. But that gave me contact to Canada and I was there for the first time this year. I was received so lovingly and warmly and also had nice hours with Theo. I am infinitely grateful that I was able to experience that.... In thoughts with you and with Theo wishes all the best from Germany Christiane Kusz
Sad to hear. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Deepest sympathy to Theo's family at his passing. I knew him from my years at Volkswagen Canada and he was a much appreciated and respected employee. It was always a pleasure to visit with Theo and Mia at social events, and in the latter years at the group luncheons. He had such a sense of humour ! He did participate as long as possible at these outings and is much missed. Sincere condolences.
Dear Theo, daughters, grandchildren, colleagues, and friends From our first meeting at the VWC regional offices, warehouse and training center in Point Claire, you became my guide, teacher, advisor, friend as well as an ongoing source of practical, ethical, and above all people-caring advice. While as our VW paths diverged, we meet seldom met and even those rare occasions ceased when life took me to VW NA Region and then beyond. However, the care, concerns, and warmth you shared have always stayed with me as a valued resource. Warmly Fred
Dear Kirsten: Most sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Father. My love and prayers to you.
Dear Kirsten and family, we feel your sorrow and pain. Theo was a very dear friend and such a strong brother in Christ. It was always good and enriching experience to be in his company. His honesty and truthfulness combined with his sincerity for the things that really matter made him the kind of person who anyone desired to be. May his legacy live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. You are so blessed and we were very blessed knowing him. His reward will be great into eternity. Gert and Anna-Marie
I had the pleasure of working with Theo at VWC for many years where I too managed Parts and Service operations but for dealers on the prairies. When I was first hired, Theo eagerly welcomed me into the Volkswagen Canada family taking me under his wing generously sharing his knowledge and time. He was never at a loss for helpful suggestions and fearless when faced by challenges. I will remember him fondly. He made my career journey more complete. May the pain of your loss pass quickly.
Our condolences to the whole family! It sounds like Theo lived an amazing life and I’m sure he will be missed by all.
We have known Theo for many, many years when he worked for Volkswagen Canada. With his knowledge and good advice he was great colleague to work with. We also miss him at our monthly Retiree Luncheons but he will always be in our hearts and memories.
Uncle Theo is a Wonderful person for the people know him & His Humour make everyone smile around him , He is a faithful servant to the Lord Jesus, At the Church & The Light house harbour ministry. Very helpful for the people as our family life in Canada made Better By him . It is a big lost for the family & All the people know him , But Glad Uncle Theo at the God’s place with auntie Mia.