Obituary of Gerard Claude Mindorff

MINDORFF, Gerard: May 11 1927- January 29, 2018 After a long and productive happy life, Gerard died peacefully surrounded by his wife Elizabeth and children. Born and raised in Chatham, he was the son of Francis Mindorff and Marie Erickson-Mindorff. He was brother to Catherine, Marie, Sister Rose (Sister of St. Joseph), Frank, Bob and Claudia. He is survived by his sister Angela O'Neil. Gerard fell in love with a beautiful redheaded nurse from Guelph. They married in May 1950 and started a family. He was so proud of his seven sons and four daughters and their spouses, Mark (Cynthia), Mary (Ron), Cathy (Jack), Tim, Margaret (Walt), Claude (Deborah), Claire (Ron), John (Fatima), Philip (Ann), David (Michele) and Chris (Laurie). He was a loved grandpa to 36 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren to date, taking interest in each and every one of their lives, telling them stories and singing them songs. We will miss our dad's gentle nature, his humour and witty one-liners. Dad loved to recite poetry and whistle his favourite songs while doing chores. He was a gifted artist and sculptor, and with Elizabeth, built beautiful gardens, a lily pond in every one, and shared them with charitable organizations through garden tours. Gerard was committed to his community and served in many ways, especially on the Fort Erie Library Board, Horticultural Society, and Red Cross. He was a devoted member of St Michael's Church for many years. Gerard was an electrician by trade, an employee of GM St. Catharines for 30 years. He was cofounder of the Casa El Norte Centre for Refugees and after his retirement, Gerard spent many hours waiting at the border to welcome newcomers and helping them adapt to their new lives. While living in Ancaster for 8 years, Gerard was a long-time member of the Hamilton District Health Council actively promoting social health programmes in the Hamilton community. We wish to thank Dr. Scher, the administration and staff of Maple Park Lodge Cardinal Court for their loving kindness and care. Donations are appreciated to Casa El Norte and St. Vincent De Paul. Arrangements are entrusted to Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Ave., Fort Erie. The family will receive their friends at the Funeral Home on Friday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Fort Erie on Saturday, February 3rd at 12 noon. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.