John Gerald Lawrence Miedema

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandpa and great-grandpa. He passed away peacefully on November 16th, 2018 at the age of 92 years, 11 months.

He is survived by his children: Gerald (Betty), John (Carol), Veronica (Mitch), Terri (Steve) as well as son-in-law Richard (Liliane) and special daughter Yvette (Barry), 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. In The Netherlands, he leaves to mourn a sister, a sister-in-law and 16 nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by wife Joan, eldest daughter Ann and grandson Colin.

He immigrated with his wife, Joan to Canada from The Netherlands in 1952 and obtained progressively more responsible positions over 26 years culminating in becoming the Alberta City of Grande Prairie’s first City Manager. His career highlights include - together with the mayor - hosting the Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1975 and Queen and Prince Philip in 1978.

He was a dedicated visionary who anticipated the need for recreation areas in the growing city of Grande Prairie. On behalf of the City, he acquired numerous acres of “green spaces” throughout the City including the 1,100 acre Muskoseepi Park for all to enjoy. He appreciated Grande Prairie acknowledging him by naming a city park after him in Oct, 2014…“for his significant contribution to the city's history and helping make the community what it is today.” 

His Roman Catholic faith was always very important to him and led him to serve the communities of Grande Prairie, AB, Peace River, AB, Surrey, BC and Edmonton, AB through the Boys Scouts, Knights of Columbus, church choirs, school boards and church food banks. He also played substantial roles in over-seeing the construction of two churches: St Joseph’s (1968-2007 in Grande Prairie, AB) and Good Shepherd (1988-1993) in Surrey, BC).

His children would like to thank Dr. Marcel Lavanchy MD and the dedicated caregivers, nurses and management of Lakeview Lodge, West Kelowna for the kind, compassionate and professional care that he received for the last years of his life.

The Funeral will be held on November 24, 2018 at 2:30 pm at the Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 2547 Hebert Rd, West Kelowna, BC. Cremation will take place after the funeral. The interment of his cremains in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Edmonton will occur in 2019.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer Canada at Provincial Administration, 426 St. Germain Avenue, Toronto, ON M5M 1W7. Phone:1 (416) 789-3217.

We hold you close within our hearts; And there you shall remain;
To walk with us throughout our lives; Until we meet again.