DEN HARTOGH, GERRIT "GERRY" - At Bluewater Health, Sarnia on Monday, December 26, 2016, Gerry Den Hartogh died at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Marg Emery. Loving father of Todd Den Hartogh, Heidi Noble and Trevor (Sarah) Den Hartogh. Cherished grandfather of Ashly (Donnie) Fairbanks, Brent Noble (Jessica), Shawn (Amanda) Den Hartogh, Sara (Cameron) Palmer, Rachel Den Hartogh, Jeremy Den Hartogh, Jacob and Bergen Den Hartogh. Great Grandfather of Landen Fairbanks, Evan, Parker and Lucas Den Hartogh, and Ethan Palmer. Dear brother of John (Tena) Den Hartogh. Predeceased by parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Den Hartogh, and sister, Pat Vandenham. Greatly missed by Marg's sisters and their families and, especially, by his four-legged buddy, Shane. Gerry was born in Holland and immigrated to Canada with his family at age 16. In 1965 he became a very proud Canadian citizen but never lost his love of the Netherlands. Gerry enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1957 and was attached to the 1st Canadian Guards; he became an explosives expert and attained the rank of Corporal. A critical injury while serving in Germany prematurely ended his military career. Following his discharge, Gerry studied at Bulmer Business College in Windsor. After graduation, he accepted a position with CAA, first as a branch manager then general manager. After 25 years with CAA, Gerry changed careers working until his retirement as an insurance agent and financial planner with Prudential of America. Gerry was a proud Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447 and was awarded the 2nd highest honour for Legion members, his Meritorious Service Medal. As a Legion Service Officer, Gerry's passion was to help other Veterans, especially the disabled and those in need of assistance. Athough his first passion was working with veterans, his second passion was amateur winemaking for which he earned gold medal awards both provincially and nationally. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Gerry's life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447, 350 Albert Street in Corunna. Visitation will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. where words of celebration will take place at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Corunna at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447 Poppy Fund or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com