March 23, 1962 - September 26, 2020
Scott Sinclair Gertsma was born March 23, 1962 at the Stettler General hospital in Alberta to Frank and Jackie Gertsma where he was raised and attended school from kindergarten to Grade 12.
From an early age Scott showed a deep compassion for others along with a sharp wit and determination. Scott swam and played a variety of sports including hockey and football and made lifelong friends doing each.
He had an early passion for old muscle cars and restored a 1969 candy apple red 442 Oldsmobile Convertible while in high school and it served as the backdrop for the school yearbooks "Mr. and Miss Groovy".
Scott loved to travel. He went to Greece in high school as part of a school trip and to Australia for about 10 months following graduation. He and Kelly continued to travel, often with the rest of the Gertsma family. They particularly enjoyed the Puerto Vallarta area in Mexico.
Scott also journeyed back to Alberta on a regular basis to stay in contact with friends. He was a prime instigator, catalyst and chief cook within a group of 10 buddies who played high school football together and reunited annually each fall for the past many years.
Scott left Stettler after graduating high school and attended the University of Calgary taking Economics and was always very interested and involved in politics. He was Chairman of the U of C student union in 1986.
After university Scott worked in real estate doing commercial leasing in Calgary amongst other ventures until his mom and dad decided to sell their water well drilling business and move to Sooke where they bought their first Home Hardware store in 1992.
It was here that Scott met Kelly Keys across the street at the Sooke Flower House in 1997 and they began their 25 year journey together. Kelly came with 3 children, Jikel, Levi and Jazmin who Scott took under his wing and they continued to forge the business with Frank, Jackie and brother Neil into what is today.
From an early age Scott showed a great deal of compassion for animals, rescuing several cats, especially if they were wounded or destitute. Mom Jackie often commented that he should have been a veterinarian. He was definitely a "fixer" and an advocate for those less advantaged be they animal or human.
Scott had a deep appreciation for music, notably classic rock and he and Kelly attended many, many concerts and live venues throughout his life.
As his eldest grandson Connor grew up Scott launched into coaching both hockey and football and he became a fixture at the Sooke rink and football field.
Becoming a grandparent to all four of his grandkids was a huge joy in his life and their well-being soon became his passion.
Scott was truly a "pillar" as a person, a businessman, a coach, as part of the Chamber of Commerce and an endless supporter of many charities and his community.
In his "downtime" Scott and his constant sidekick Ginger (his Golden Retriever) spent a great deal of time at Wilford's farm discussing life, politics, gardening, the next hobby to take on, farming and the love of his friends.
Scott was predeceased by his mother, Jacquelyne "Jackie" Gertsma (nee McLean) in 2014 He is survived by his father Frank, brother Neil (Patricia), nephew Nicolas, the love of his life Kelly Keys, and Their children daughter Jikel, son Levi, with his children Connor and Coral, and his other daughter Jazmin Hateley, (Theo) and their children Airlie and Kyler.
Scott's sense of family and friends was everything to him and, like his mom, much of that was centered around food and drink and gathering together to celebrate all things shared.
In keeping with our present COVID situation Scott's loved ones ask that you gather with your family and friends around the table and enjoy a meal together in his memory... as Scott would have wanted. The dining table was truly Scott's wheelhouse and everything good in life started there according to him. RIP "Scottie"... you will be dearly missed by all.
Donations on Scott's behalf can be made to the charity of your choice.
You are invited to leave an additional personal message of condolence or prayer on www.affordableCremationAndBurial.ca