Derk Gauw

Derk Gauw, passed away on October 19, 2018, at the age of 85 with his daughters by his side. He was born in The Netherlands Antilles on January 31, 1933. He came to the United States and Graduated from Princeton University in Princeton,New Jersey with a degree in Chemistry in 1955. In 1961 he became an United States citizen. He married Madelon Steenhof from The Netherlands on June 9th in 1958. Preceded in death by his father Willem Gauw, mother Wandra Lambasta Postma, and ex-wife Madelon Steenhof Gauw. Survived by his daughters Michelle Powell, Renee (Michael) Bolden and grandsons Dustin, Troy, and Ryan Powell, and Gabriel Bolden. He was a member of the Association of the Volunteer Bay in Vermilion Ohio. He was a current resident of Parma Heights Ohio. He was a retiree from Ferro Chemical where he worked for 42 years in International Chemical Sales. He loved to spend time with his grandsons, watching Indians games, breakfasts at the Whip, attending theirLittle league games, playing mahjong, giving them advice and telling them stories of his childhood. He loved to read novels, his favorite authors were James Patterson, Clive Cussler, David Baldacci, Tom Clancy, Catherine Coulter and Lee Child to name a few. Dad had the opportunity to travel extensively through out Indonisia, Asia and Europe for his employment and always enjoyed seeing the different counties. Dad was always dedicated to his family and he was very involved in raising and supporting his grandsons. The family would like to give a special thanks to his care givers over the last several years especially Lisa Kadlec, Dr. Ronald Flauto, Dr. Jeffrey Boyko, Stephanie and the University Home Health Care Team Six.
A Memorial Visitation will be held Monday October 22 at 11am to 12:30 pm. At Yurch 5618 Broadview Rd. Parma Ohio 44134. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Assocation and American Kidney Foundation.