Gerald Vandezande

On July 16, 2011, with his loving wife by his side, Gerald, CPJ’s co-founder, passed away at the age of 77.

Gerald retired as CPJ's veteran national public affairs director in December, 1998. His 35 years of experience in public policy development and political advocacy reflected his extraordinary dedication to the pursuit of public justice, a commitment rooted in a clear and integrally Biblical life-perspective.

Gerald remained involved with the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition and was on the Steering Committee of the Campaign Against Child Poverty.

Gerald's most recent publication, Justice, Not Just Us: Faith Perspectives and National Priorities, was a collection of essays which tackled broad public justice concerns. This book marked the culmination of a lifetime of seeking to live out, in the nitty gritty of Canadian political life, a gospel faith committed to social justice.

On October 17, 2001 Gerald was invested as a member into the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. The citation called him a "powerful and respected voice for social justice". It was wonderful to see Gerald recognized, and to see, through him, the work of Citizens for Public Justice recognized and the Gospel call for justice affirmed.

On February 9, 2005 Gerald was awarded the 2005 Arthur Kroeger College Award in Ethics in Public Affairs. The award recognizes excellence in work that contributes significantly to the vibrancy of Canadian democracy and our society as a whole.

At a special convocation on October 20, 2006, the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) honoured Gerald by awarding him their first ever honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.).

Gerald was an active member of the Grace Christian Reformed Church in Scarborough. Gerald and his wife, Wynne, lived in Agincourt, Ontario. Wynne is a retired professional social worker. Gerald will be sadly missed by his two daughters, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.