Gerard Jan (John) Van Iterson

Gerard Jan (John) van Iterson

Gerard Jan van Iterson was born June 14, 1939 in Amstelveen, Amsterdam, the

Netherlands, first child of Herman Anthony van Iterson and Catherina Anna (van Ham)

van Iterson. Named after his two grandfathers. In the Netherlands, known as Jan. Early

years in the Netherlands, occupied by German forces from May 1940 to May 1945.

From early 1946 to June 1950, family lived in Curacao, in the West Indies, where

Herman was Chief of Technical Services, KLM Airlines. An ideal life for a young boy.

June 11, 1950, family immigrated to Canada, purchased house at 120 Laurel Avenue in

Etobicoke, now Toronto. John attended Wedgewood Public School, Etobicoke Collegiate

and Burnhamthorpe Collegiate. Was one of top students in first graduating class. In 1962,

graduated from U of Toronto in Mechanical Engineering. Active in sports, VP of Eng.

students’ Athletic Assoc.

In 1965, John was suffering psychological stress. Treated in hospital with electric shock

treatments, which did great damage to his brain. After that, he was never the same person

again.

In 1966, John was able to get work as a Mechanical Engineer with the Borough of North

York. Later, a similar job at City of Toronto. From 1964 to 1971, John was married to

Valerie (Shapka) Van Iterson. In 1974, living with new life partner Linda Goodwin, who

gave birth to their son Michael Goodwin.

In 1974, John opened practice in heating, ventilation, ac engineering. He successfully

operated that practice for the rest of his life. In many ways, his work was his life. He

made many good friends in his work. They provided a lot of support, especially in recent

years.

John lived many years, from about 1985 until her death in about 2013, with Annette

Rubin, in Toronto, Port Stanley and Ajax.

John suffered a collapse on June 12, 2022. He was taken to hospital, and died on July 3.

John leaves his son, Michael Goodwin and granddaughter Leah Goodwin. Survived by

brother Bill (Shari), former wife Valerie. Predeceased by late partner Annette Rubin,

sister Anna (John Johnston).

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