WEST FERRISBURGH - On Sunday, November 26, the Lord took to Himself Garry Elzinga, loving husband, father and grandfather. Born June 27, 1929 in Niemerdum, Friesland, The Netherlands, to Gerben Elzinga and Woltje Bokma, Garry emigrated to the United States in 1947. He married Julia VanderPloeg on February 1, 1956. They lived in New Jersey, New York, and settled in Vermont in 1966. Garry was a farmer until his retirement in 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Julia, five daughters: Grace Elzinga, Peabody MA, Bill & Wanda Holbrook, Ionia MI, Pat Elzinga, Alexandria VA, Bert and Betty Dykshoorn, Goshen NY, and Tena Elzinga, West Ferrisburgh; he is also survived by three grandchildren, Julie, Caitlin, and Oliver. Surviving him are a brother, Symon, and two sisters, Jantje Schurer and Ada VanDeWeert, as well as sister's and brother's in-law and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Grace and Joanne.
Garry was an active member of the New Haven United Reformed Church, as well as a member of the Gideon's International. He enjoyed attending the Thursday Morning Men's Bible Study at Burdick's Country Kitchen. Garry enjoyed his trips to the coffee shop, a good joke, and his cats and dogs. He was a man with large hands, a huge heart, a listening ear, and a friendly smile for everyone! He sincerely loved his Lord and Savior and his family and friends
A funeral service was held on Friday December 1st at New Haven United Reformed Church. Interment will be in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. Donations in Garry's memory can be sent to the Champlain Valley Christian School Building Fund, Vergennes VT, the Gideon's Intl c/o Hank Nop Route 7 Salisbury VT, or Addison Home Health and Hospice Route 7 Middlebury, VT. Funeral arrangements are being made by Brown-McClay Funeral Home, Vergennes VT
