Gerald Harm Regts

Gerald Harm Regts, age 75, went to be with his Lord and Maker on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods Campus after a courageous battle with cancer. Gerald was born in Friesland, Netherlands on June 17, 1940. In 1951, Gerald along with his parents and siblings, immigrated to Elmer, Ontario, Canada and settling in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Gerald left Canada in 1968 to marry the love of his life, in Grand Rapids, MI. Gerald was happily married to Gertrude (Parks) Regts for 45 years, until her passing in November of 2014. We rejoice together as a family knowing they are together forever once again. Also rejoicing with Gerald are many loved ones who have gone on before him. He is once again united with his son, Sean Edward Regts (07/27/2011); his parents, Case and Harriet Regts; sister, Katherine; brother, Hans; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Parks and Anne Parks; brothers-in-law, John Lubbers, William Parks, David Parks. Gerald is survived by his children, David and Krystine Regts, Gerald Keith Regts, Elizabeth Regts, Amy and Ryland Magoon IV. Gerald was a wonderful Grandpa “Paka” to Michael, Meghan, Emma-Leigh, Christopher-John Regts, Ryland V. and Broderick Magoon. He also leaves behind his sister, Edith (John) Lubbers; brothers, Henry and Sarah Regts, Edward and Teresa Regts, George and Rosie Regts, Diane (Hans) Regts, Gord and Marg Regts, Ben and Barb Regts, John and Kathy Regts; longtime friends, Tom and Pat Slager, Denise Bouwkamp; many nieces and nephews. Gerald was a member of the Essex Kent Scottish Regiment. He was an active member of Lee Street Christian Reformed Church where he served as deacon for nine years and volunteered with the Friendship Club for more than ten years. Gerald worked at Thames Valley Brick; he also worked as a telegraph messenger and at Bingham Optical while living in Canada. After moving to Grand Rapids, he worked at Phoenix Optical for one year. He retired, after 37 years of faithful service, from Riviera Tool and Die. While we mourn the physical loss of Gerald, we have comfort in knowing where he is and who he is with, as we await the day that we can all be together again. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 am at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee St., Wyoming with Rev. Kent Rottman officiating. Interment Rest Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 6-8 pm and on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.