The ICS community mourns the passing of supporter Gerald Vandezande, who died peacefully on Saturday July 16, 2011 at the age of 77. After his love for his family, Gerald lived and embraced social responsibility. Forty years of experience in public policy development and political advocacy reflected his extraordinary dedication to his pursuit of public justice, a commitment rooted in a clear and integrally Biblical life perspective and a love for his God.
Former Public Affairs Director of Citizens for Public Justice, he was also actively involved with the Campaign against Child Poverty and was a member of numerous social advocacy coalitions. Gerald received the Order of Canada in May of 2001. His order citation described him as a "powerful and respected voice for social justice". In 2005, he was awarded the Arthur Kroeger College Award in Ethics in Public Affairs. In 2006, the Institute for Christian Studies honoured Gerald Vandezande by awarding him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, in recognition of his deep Christian commitment to consistently promote public policies for healing, justice and peace. This was the first honorary degree ever offered by ICS.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Wynne, as well as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild during this difficult time.
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