Dr. Gerd D. Gottschling

October 4, 1941 - August 23, 2021
Dr. Gerd D. Gottschling, age 79, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2021 in Delta Hospital due to complications from bladder cancer. He is predeceased by his father, mother, and brother Alvin.
Gerd is survived by his wife Beverly; son Gary (Tracey, Aly, Garrison) of Terrace; daughter Corina (David) of Kitimat and his brother Kurt (Martha) of Burnaby.
Born in Germany, Gerd and his family relocated to Prince Rupert following World War II. He lived in Prince Rupert from 1953 to 1969. There he attended elementary and high school and worked for Coca-Cola, Columbia Cellulose, and BC Packers.
In 1963, he married his High School sweetheart, Beverly Carlson. A year later they welcomed a son, Gary. After much study and hard work at the University of Alberta, Gerd earned his D.D.S. degree in 1969 and began his Dental practice in Kitimat.
Gerd, Beverly and Gary enjoyed their new life together in Kitimat and soon welcomed daughter Corina. Originally the plan was to live in Kitimat for two years, then move back to Rupert. But those two years became fifty-two as they loved the community of Kitimat and all it had to offer. Gerd was a loving Grandpa and he was grateful that his immediate family lived so close.
Gerd was actively involved in the Kitimat community in a myriad of ways: Kitimat First Baptist Church; the German-Canadian Club; community volleyball and baseball; Alcan fitness; Toastmasters; Boys Brigade; City Council; as well as serving as a dentist for 50 years.
On City Council he was a strong advocate for our community, especially with regards to responsible industrial activity; as well as ensuring an appropriate number of beds and level of care when our new hospital was built. He served outside the community for many years as well with the Baptist Union of Western Canada and the College of Dental Surgeons of BC. Whatever he set his mind to, he was "all-in" and gave generously of his time and energy to the people and organizations he held dear.
Gerd was passionate about staying current - whether it was politics, technology, or any other topic; and thrived on chatting and debating with both friends and strangers, wanting to understand what made them "tick". He always had an ear to listen and provide advice.
He approached life with a sense of awe and wonder. He was an avid collector, boater and fisherman and enjoyed downhill skiing with the family. He loved driving cars and riding his Harley. He was also known to golf on occasion and his slice became more and more remarkable each year.
Gerd was a people person and made a point of bringing out the best in others. He could always find a reason to 'celebrate'. He loved his weekly breakfast "dates" with his wife and delighted in looking at the pictures they had taken during their travels - he felt truly blessed to be able to have seen all 7 Wonders of the World.
He held a strong Christian faith; never shy of sharing how his faith grounded him and gave his life purpose and meaning. Despite the health challenges he faced, he was filled with acceptance, peace, optimism and gratitude. His last days with us were marked with joy and the anticipation of knowing that he would soon be with Jesus, his beloved Lord and Saviour.
The family extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful health care teams at Kitimat General, Mills Memorial, Delta Hospital and Kitimat Home Support.
Gerd and Beverly have cheerfully supported many local and international community projects. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse clean water projects: https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/what-we-do/water-sanitation-hygiene/
A Celebration of Life will be held at Kitimat First Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct 3, 2021 @ 2:30 pm
The service will also be live streamed on YouTube: search for: "Kitimat First Baptist Church Live"