Gerard Van Bunderen
Obituary
VAN BUNDEREN, Gerard…
1945 – 2026
Gerard (Gerry) Van Bunderen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully in London, Ontario on August 26, 2026 at the age of 80.
Gerry was born in Chatham, Ontario to Clara (nee Salembier) and Eugene Van Bunderen. Clara died in 1957 and Gerry was later blessed with his stepmother when Eugene married Madeleine Masselis (nee Deschamps).
Gerry married the love of his life, Catherine (Cathy) Sinclair, and they enjoyed 59 wonderful years together. They had three children, Mark VanBunderen, Maureen Slager and Caren (Carrie) Jutzi. He cherished them and their spouses Barbara VanBunderen, Benjamin Slager and Jeff Jutzi dearly. He also adored his grandchildren, Madeleine, Eliyah (Anton), Naomi, Cassia (James), Liam, Lexi (Jonathon), and great granddaughter Willow who all brought immeasurable joy into his life. Also forever close to his heart were Gerry and Cathy’s older siblings, Roger (Annie / Ruth) Van Bunderen, Harriet (Michael) Knazook, Margaret (Harold) Lapoint, Robert (Diane) Sinclair and many nieces and nephews.
Gerry was a mechanical engineering technologist, having graduated from Fanshawe College in London Ontario. After starting their lives together in London, work soon took Gerry and Cathy to Woodstock where together they raised their family. When Gerry retired from his role with Altec in Milton, he and Cathy moved back to London to enjoy their retirement years with their amazing neighbours, friends and family.
Gerry was a gentle, kindhearted and humble man who was led by his deep faith in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He had a great sense of humour and always enjoyed a good laugh with family and friends.
The family would like to thank Toby from Home Instead and Esther from Paramed as well as all the kind and caring staff at University Hospital who looked after Gerry in his final days.
Gerry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. There will be a visitation starting at 10:30 am followed by a celebration of life service starting at 11:30 am on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at The Gathering Place, 858 Dundas St., London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gerry are asked to consider donating to The Gathering Place via e-transfer at [email protected] or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research via an online donation at give.michaeljfox.org.
Gerry and I grew up on the same street Brabaw St in wallaceburg
i remember Clara and Eugene and his siblings Harriet and Roger so many great memories, life reconnected us years later what a blessing to get to know he and Cathy once again! My love and prayers are with the family, I’ll miss Gerry and his sweet kind spirit 🙏♥️
When my Grandmother Masselis married Eugene, my siblings and I were pretty excited and thought it was really special to have an uncle who was only a year or two older than we were. We had lots of fun together. As the years passed, we drifted apart but I am so grateful that Cathy and I were in touch at least once a year to catch up with what was happening in our families. I’m grateful for the memories! God’s strength to you Cathy and families as you grieve your loss! 🙏🏻💔❤️❤️