Gerrit (John) Jan Dolman

Gerrit Jan (John) Dolman (b. 1932) passed away at Vista Village in Pincher Creek, Alberta, on March 5, 2022, at the age of 89. Predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Jacomina (Iet) Dolman (nee Berends), and brother Berend Dolman (Jannie Dolman), John leaves behind his sister Henny Wiarda (Lub Wiarda), his three daughters—Elizabeth Dolman (David Green), Yolande Dolman (Mark Taylor) and AJ Dolman (James Moran)—and two grandchildren, Alexandra Taylor and Dylan Moran-Dolman.

Former owner of the Blue Mountain Motel (Pincher Creek), Dolman’s Blue Place furniture store (Lundbreck) and numerous other businesses and farms over the course of his career. John immigrated to Canada from The Netherlands with Iet and their two young children in 1960. Their third daughter was born in Canada. John was deeply impacted by the events of World War II, in his childhood village of Beekbergen. He and Iet had an insatiable sense of adventure that caused them to relocate to many different places, moving every couple of years. An ardent capitalist, his greatest legacy and deepest regret were having raised a family of dedicated socialists. He loved jazz music, animals, and acts of charity and inclusion when no one else was looking. He was a wonderful dancer, a charming businessman, and secretly a bit of a dreamer. He will be deeply missed.

The family is particularly grateful for the work of Dr. Tobias Gelber and the staff at Vista Village.

Memorial service to be held at Eden’s Funeral Home, 966 Elm Street, Pincher Creek, Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

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