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lina posted a condolence
Monday, November 1, 2021
Thank you for sharing your God-given talent with our Catholic community. I adore all the pieces that I see in every school. We have been so blessed to have them and to have had you in our midst. Thank you again.
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Rae Eyers posted a condolence
Friday, May 7, 2021
I never knew Al personally, but his artwork has been enriching my worship at Calgary's Anglican Good Shepherd church for years. Thank you, Al!
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Derwyn Costinak uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 7, 2021
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The Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd has a number of furniture and art pieces that Al made specifically for the parish. His style features significantly in the look of our nave and narthex, and the four-panelled design he put on the front of our holy table has become the logo for the parish (having received his permission, of course!). His legacy will live on as his artistic hand contributes to the expression of worship of those who gather in our parish.
The Rev Derwyn Costinak, Parish Priest.
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Cheryl Horrey posted a condolence
Thursday, May 6, 2021
I have a number of carvings in my house marked "Al" with the date. All the furnishings in my church were carved by Al. And all my grandchildren have his incredible Christmas creches which, I'm sure, will be passed on to their children and grandchildren. His carvings were "childproof"! I will miss this quiet man who shared his faith and his talents with so many. My condolences to his family. Cheryl Horrey
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TM uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
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Thank you Al for the beauty your talent brought to our schools. I’m grateful for the times I spent with you creating sacred spaces. Your creativity and generosity will be missed. Peace to your family.
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Karen Gorecki posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
My deepest sympathies to all of Al's family. The world has lost a true gem.
Al generously opened his home for me when I needed a pillow to rest my head. I loved spending time there because Al had created a peaceful sanctuary of animals, wonderful people, and beautiful art. And oh his art - it is hard to capture in words - it gives me feelings of comfort, joy, peace. Al will by far always be my favorite artist.
I am heartbroken that I haven't seen Al in a few years but the memories of spending time with him, Yori, Patty, and Tea in his home will be cherished.
Rest in Peace Al.
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Tom Jamin uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
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As a young kid I tagged along on a visit to Br. Al at Mount Saint Frances. I was mesmerized by Al's shop and took an interest in this little buffalo that was on the shelf. Al was not totally consumed by the adult conversation to notice and gave me the carving. It stands in my own shop 50 years later! How many of us have little bits of Al to cherish. He had his part in my 25 years as a Benedictine monk. May his chisels be forever sharp.
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Fr. Greg Coupal posted a condolence
Monday, May 3, 2021
My sympathy and prayers to all of the Gerritsen Family.
Al was truly a gifted artist who's talents will be remembered by the many people who appreciate and are inspired by his works in schools, churches and our homes. His legacy as an artist and as a quiet, humble man of faith will live on.
May he Rest in Peace
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Paul Gerritsen posted a condolence
Monday, May 3, 2021
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Albert. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Paul and Julia gerritsen
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James Touw posted a condolence
Monday, May 3, 2021
Our sincere condolences to Rebecca, Jennifer and Family. We remember Uncle Albert as a kind and gentle soul, who had a good sense of humour and a ready chuckle. The carved wooden nativity scene he made for us decades ago is still displayed in a prominent place every Christmas. We will miss him. Love from Jim and Bev.
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Nancy O’Brien posted a condolence
Monday, May 3, 2021
Al’s art surrounded me everyday for 27 years as a teacher for Christ the Redeemer. His creations made me feel wrapped in God’s love.
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Caterina Martin posted a condolence
Sunday, May 2, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Gerritsen’s passing. We grew up with Jennifer & Rebecca and have many fond memories, one is of Al picking us up from St. Joseph’s school, in his custom camper, all painted up! Seeing his work through out the different schools and churches is always wonderful and is part of his legacy. Our dad, also has some good memories working with Al to install various art work in some of the Calgary Catholic schools.
May he rest in peace.
Rocco, Joanne, Carmela, Cathy & Linda Cortese
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Kathleen Moors uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, May 2, 2021
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Al, over the years, has become a very special friend, as he always generously welcomed a visit to pick up a robin or a magpie in his shop. We would pour over the histories in his albums and chat about his art and recent explorations. I will miss him very much and can only say that there will always be many reminders of Al because he did so much to fashion a history in our community. I'm sending him into heaven with much love and gratitude. Kathleen Moors
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R.B. Gibney posted a condolence
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Sincere condolences on the passing of Albert to all the Gerritsens,
particularly John and Eileen and Doris and Gerry He was gifted and
shared great talent. We will remember him in our prayers. Leona and
Bernie Gibney.
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Linda posted a condolence
Saturday, May 1, 2021
I am deeply sorry to hear of Al’s passing. His art has touched me deeply and I have many pieces in my home. His works of art fill our Calgary Catholic Schools and will continue to inspire faith in all who see them. I worked with Rebecca at St. Philip and I am praying for you and your family.
Linda Foo
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Kathryn Kerbes uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, May 1, 2021
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I send my deepest condolences to the family. Brother Al, as I always knew him, was much beloved by our family. He created the sculptures of the apostles at Parkdale United Church, in memory of my Dad who passed in 1968. He created Christmas Cards for decades for my mom, Kaye Phillips. I sit in my home grateful for his extraordinary talent. I attach a photo of the 3 pieces I am lucky enough to look at every day. Having lost my mom almost exactly four years ago to the day Al passed, I am certain she’s in heaven, welcoming him with open arms.
With gratitude that our lives touched,
Kathryn Kerbes
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Ron Wallace posted a condolence
Saturday, May 1, 2021
My deepest condolences to Al's family. I knew Al well when I was Superintendent of Christ the Redeemer School Division. We commissioned many works by Al in our schools in Okotoks, High River, Brooks, and Oyen. I had the opportunity to visit Al at his workshop. I retired in 2000.
I knew him as a very fine man and a great artist.
The large series of carvings he did in the library of Good Shepherd School in Okotoks has to be one of the most significant art pieces in southern Alberta.
Ron Wallace
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Jennifer posted a condolence
Saturday, May 1, 2021
I will always remember sitting in Al’s kitchen, talking about the history of the house, Jen and Rebecca as kids. A lovely and peaceful man.
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Margaret Keelaghan uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, May 1, 2021
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Margaret Keelaghan posted a condolence
Saturday, May 1, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing but comforted to know that his last days and hours were where he wanted to be: surrounded by his beloved family in his lovely house, workshop close by. Al (and Mount St Francis) was such a part of the fabric of our lives growing up and as an adult, I loved seeing him getting together with our mom, Edith. These dear friends had coffee in mom’s kitchen every Monday morning for over 20 years (“that’s a lot of coffee” said Al at mom’s funeral) and I was always happy to see him sitting at the Keelaghan table. Jennifer and Rebecca, we are sending you all our love and prayers. I hope we can see each other soon for hugs and some laughter. Margaret, Guido and Maya
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The Janzens lit a candle
Friday, April 30, 2021
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So sorry to hear of your loss, Rebecca, Patrick, Ruby and Elly. Thinking of you and remembering Al from our time at Ecole King George.
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Cathy posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, April 29, 2021
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Sending my love to everyone. Some of my best memories of my youth are from Al’s house and Mount St. Francis. He’s one of my few friends who have remained tru to our shared beliefs from those days- simplicity, activism and community. His wonderful nativity sets will be a legacy for generations of families and children. sending so much love to you all. I’d love to hear about Al’s mass and memorial whenever it happens. Love, Cathy keelaghan
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Jennifer Posted Apr 29, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Thank you so much, Cathy. All of the Keelaghans are very much in our hearts right now. To make sure that we have a current contact for you, you can reach out to the funeral home (Calgary Crematorium and Funeral Services) and they can relay it to me. Although I bet Rebecca already has one for you. Love Jennifer
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Del Bannerman posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, April 29, 2021
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Michael Gallant posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
My sincere condolences to your family... I didn't know Al, but I was the recipient of a beautiful carved inukshuk box as a parting gift from a school staff. It is one of the most important things I've ever been gifted. His work was part of so many gifts of love and appreciation, and reflected a beautiful soul. I pray your loss is soothed in time by knowing how much joy, love and faith Al shared with others. God Bless. Michael Gallant
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Maureen Wakeford posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
So saddened to hear of your loss. Wayne and I would love to have an invitation to your online celebration. We remember having Jennifer our first year working together at St Joseph's. Wayne and Maureen Wakeford
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The family of Albert "Al" Gerard GERRITSEN uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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The family of Albert "Al" Gerard GERRITSEN uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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