Supplied by the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board…

Sault Ste. Marie: The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) is mourning the
passing of former trustee Gerarld Beerkens.
Beerkens, a native of Holland and long-time resident of Wawa, passed away on October 8, 2020.
A former high school teacher, Beerkens began his journey as a Catholic trustee in 1973 with the
Michipicoten District Roman Catholic Separate School Board (MDRCSSB). He retired as a
trustee of HSCDSB in 2010.
“It is sad to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was a man of integrity and was always focused on what
was best for the students in our care,” said HSCDSB Board of Trustees Chair, Lindsay Liske.
As a trustee of the MDRCSSB, Beerkens was instrumental in the successful amalgamation of
HSCDSB in 1998 and was elected Vice-Chair of the board at its inception. He held that position
until 2000 and then again from 2001 to 2004. He was elected Chair of the board in 2004-2005.
Beerkens was the representative for schools north of Sault Ste. Marie.
In 2013, Beerkens’ service and accomplishments as a Catholic trustee were recognized when he
was given the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association Award of Merit.