Peacefully, at South Huron Hospital, Exeter, with his family at his side on Monday, September 12, 2011 of Exeter in his 71st year, completed his earthly journey after a long, courageous battle with cancer, into the arms of Jesus. Beloved husband of Wibbina (Bylsma) Toonk. Cherished father of Angela Toonk and her fiancé Anthony Nyman of Exeter, Kim Toonk of London and friend Kyle Vermeulen and Debra Toonk of Exeter and friend Auzair Tak. Missed by his mother-in-law Pietje Bylsma of Seaforth Manor, brothers and sisters-in-law Jim and Theresa Brand of Dashwood, Auke and Chris Bylsma of Blyth, John and Ruby Bylsma of Thorndale, Terry and Anne Kaastra of Holmesville, John and Cory Kuipers of Goderich, Dave and Pat Brodie of Brucefield, many nieces and nephews and step-brothers and sisters-in-law. Predeceased by his parents Dirk Jan Toonk and Johanna (Leeuwestein), his sister Gertrude Jacques, step-father Arie Leeuwestein, father-in-law Wobbe Bylsma and Hank Leeuwestein.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street (1 west of Main), Exeter on Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Exeter Christian Reformed Church, 332 Huron Street West, Exeter on Thursday, September 15th at 2 PM with Pastor Harry Frielink officiating. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to Children of the Promise or Mkar Hospital (cheques payable to Exeter Christian Reformed Church) or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Grada S. Nijman
Geachte Mevr. Toonk,
Mag ik mij voorstellen? Ik ben de zuster van Ben Nyman, wonende in Aalten (The Netherlands). Van mijn broer Ben hoorde ik al vóór de trouwdag van uw dochter Angela met zijn jongste zoon Anthony Nyman dat uw man was overleden. Wat een verdriet. Alsnog mijn oprechte deelneming.
Ik zag de foto’s op Internet van uw man en uw persoon en van uw 3 dochters. Mooie foto’s. Fijn om jullie allemaal te zien.
Ik heb vanmiddag ingesproken op het antwoordapparaat van Angela. En vanavond heb ik gesproken met een zoon van Anthony. Ik heb nog eens proberen uit te leggen dat mijn naam Nijman is en niet Nyman. Dit in verband met mijn e-mailadres. Volgens mijn broer Ben had Angela deze week dinsdag al foto’s van de trouwdag gestuurd. Maar ik heb ze niet gekregen. U woont, denk ik, niet ver van Angela vandaan. Wilt u haar laten weten dat u mijn e-mailadres hebt.
Bij voorbaat dank. En met hartelijke groet.
G.S. Nijman
Tubantenstraat 14
7122 CR Aalten
(The Netherlands)
Jan en Grietje Oosterhuis
Lieve Wibbina,Angela,Kim,Debra and friends,
Langs deze weg willen we jullie ook condoleren met het verlies van
jullie geliefde man en vader.
We hebben nog goede herinnering aan jullie bezoek aan Nederland met de hele familie.En de gesprekken die we met Gerald in het Nederlands konden voeren .Moge God jullie allemaal troosten.
Psalm 121.
veel sterkte van Jan en Grietje Oosterhuis- Bijlsma
Meg Pearson
My sincerest condolences Angela, to you and your family. Light & love to you all.
Meg
Dave Frayne & Cathy Cade
Wibbina and family
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Gerald. Unfortunately we were unable to attend the service. May your memories of your husband and father bring you comfort in the future. He will always be in your hearts and minds.
Dave and Cathy
Fam. Tonnie Huurnink Holland
Dear Wibbena, Angela, Kim, and Debra
I want to send you our condolence. We still have good memories of your visit to Holland.
Already four years ago. I think this was a very good idea.
This site we have already visit. Also at the time Aunt Anna past away. We wish you all God’s support to carry this lost.
Greeting
Fam. Tonnie Huurnink
Don & Marion McCurdy
We are sending our most sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Don & Marion
Fred & Cathie Fursman, Joe & Danielle Lima
We all worked with Jerry during his years at ANF. He has been missed and often talked about and remembered fondly. We were saddened to hear the news of his passing. Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Orrin Baird & June MacLellan
Wibbina and Family:
Our sincere condolences to you and family.
Gerald was a compassionate man and will be sadly missed by friends and family.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Orrin and June
Matt, Janet Clarke & family
Our deepest sympathy to you Deb and your family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Matt, Janet & Amanda
Vickie and Al Harvey
Angie and family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know ,we ,as friends and “new” neighbors are here if you need anything.
All our prayers and sympathy.
Vickie Al and Nathan Harvey
Kari, Marty, Jesse and Jasper Debruyn
Angela and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss, always remember the good times with your dad and husband. We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Kari, Marty, Jesse and Jasper
Madeline, Shawn & Gillian Dronyk
Kim
No one can replace your dearest Dad but find comfort in knowing that he fought the good fight and is not fighting for his life anymore.He has gone to live in peace with God.
Sending you hugs from all of us.
Love Madeline, Shawn & Gillian Dronyk
Diane McCarter
Angela and families,
Thinking of you at this most difficult time.
It is never easy.
May you find comfort in the love of your family and friends and strength in the memories that you shared.
Sending hugs your way
Diane and Travis
Fred and Aileen Knip
Wibbena, Angela, Kim, and Debra
So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Gerald put up a strong fight and is now at peace with Jesus. Friends are thinking and praying for you during this difficult time. I’m sorry that Fred and myself will be unable to attend visitation or the funeral as Fred is on the road and I am heading to Vancouver early Wednesday morning. I will give you a call Wibbena when I return.
Fred and Aileen
Evelyn Vincent
Wibbina and family,
So sorry to read of your great loss. I enjoyed meeting Gerald and hs is safe in the arms of Jesu.
PRaying for comfort for each of you.
Gary & Beth Jennison
We would like to express our sincere condolences to Debra and family on the loss of her father. Hope knowing friends are thinking about you at this sad time, helps ease your sadness. Sincerely, Gary & Beth