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August 5, 1945 - November 23, 2018
It is with heavy hearts, but a sense of final peace, that we announce the passing of Henricus Joannes Gerardus Maria Gelsing. Hans passed away in his sleep, at the age of 73, at the Lacombe Hospital on November 23, 2018, after a long, hard, but brave battle with cancer.

For all of us that loved Hans, he was best known for his sense of humor, smile and big heart. Hans' zest for life made all those around him smile. He was the perennial jokester, always hiding your drink, making you look down at a spot on your shirt just to have him swipe at your nose, handing you the phone saying it was for you with no one on the phone line. A lover of animals, his children, his wife and her family; he made life better for all who came into contact with him. Hans has many special friends he has met through the community, his work at Innotech and many years of volunteering as Santa. Hans was born in Haarlem, The Netherlands, to Henricus Franciscus Maria Gelsing and Gesina Gelsing-Hazenberg.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Betty; son, Sander Gelsing (Julie), grandchildren Elliott & Alex, daughter/son, Karen and Mike Rossing, grandchildren Mickayla & Joshua, daughter, Sue-Ellen Sheilan (Mike), grandchildren Jaden & MacKenzie, son-in-law, Andre Borduas, grandchildren Chantel & Dominique.

He is also survived by his sisters Lia Steenbeek (Jan) and Marian Gest (Fred), brother Arthur Gelsing, and numerous nieces and nephews in the Netherlands.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Feli Gelsing and daughter Cheryl Borduas. Special recognition to his nephew, Michel Steenbeek, for all his love and support over the years.

Many thanks to Dr. Chatel and staff at the Lacombe Hospital, who became part of our family these past months.

If friends so desire, donations to the Prostate Cancer Centre and/or the SPCA are greatly appreciated.

Memorial service at Bentley Community Church, 4824 - 50 Street, Bentley, at 2:00 PM, Saturday December 8, 2018.