Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard passes away; Knox College expresses condolences
Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard passed away April 1, 2025, He was a 1972 Master of Divinity graduate of Knox College.
The following obituary appears on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website:
With great sadness, we announce the death of Rev. Dr. Gerard Bylaard on April 1, 2025. He passed away quickly at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s, his family at his side.
We remember his love for family and his ministry. He graduated from Central College, where he met his future wife, Barbara Ver Meer. He continued his studies at Regis College in Toronto and Western Theological Seminary in Holland Michigan where he earned his Doctorate. He served Presbyterian Churches in Huntsville, Barrie and Toronto and Oshawa during Retirement. His deep love for his family and ministry left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Gerard was born in De Bilt in the Netherlands September 21, 1937 and came to Ontario at age 13 with his parents and sister. His parents Gerard and Marie Bylaard, a younger brother and a sister Hannie Capiteyn. He leaves behind his wife Barbara Bylaard, and two children Dena Marie Duchesne (Eric) and G. John Bylaard (Olga) and five grandchildren, Noah, Luke and Leigha Duchesne and Benjamin and Charlie Bylaard. A sister, Adrianna Veenstra and sister-in-law, Martha Veldhuizen and numerous very special nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME, 124 King Street East, Oshawa on Saturday April 5, 2025 from 2 – 3 pm. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home Chapel at 3 pm, officiated by Rev. Deon Slabbert. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in Oshawa.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Gerard, we would suggest Parkinson’s Society or Gate 3:16.