(Jack) Jacobus Clemens Maria GEERLINGS

We are very sorry for your loss.
We at the Southland Geological & Lapidary Club loved Jack. He was always so supportive of and generous to our club and the broader rock collecting community across New Zealand. Jack was such a positive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable man.
Here are a few of the photos I have of Jack over the years: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rcYXvJKywkdgzPFD7
Regards
Andrew Thompson-Davies, President, Southland Geological & Lapidary Club

Jack was such a special man. He missed his wife dearly so now he will be back with her. I’m so pleased I got to meet him.
R I P Jack

Thinking of Jack and Jeannine’s family as we learn in Taranaki of dear Jacks passing. So many memories of kindness given , and joy , when we lived near on Tirimoana Road.

Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all of the family .
Bev,Allan, Rhys & Brad Jones
Ex Tiromoana Road
Eltham

We are saddened that Jack will not be with us anymore, he was always a highlight of the Oamaru Rock Show.
Always a pleasure to have great time with a good laugh
Jack will be very missed
Kathleen and Toby Page

My condolences to the family of Jack. My sister and me used to help him with his housekeeping. I had the privilege of getting to see his massive rock collection. He gave me 3 . He was such a nice friendly man with an awesome sence of humour. RIP JACK.

I have known my brother all my life, he took me on several hikes in Holland when we were young, he was a hard working and kind person and I will miss him terribly Frans Geerlings

To say that we will miss Jack after his passing, is such a small tribute, we loved his dry humour, humble manner and generosity. He was always pleased to see us, even if it took him some time to remember names. The places he took us and the gems we found will always be treasured, along with the meals we shared and the time spent fossicking. The saving grace is he will be forever now with Jeannine, a separation that pained him deeply. I hope that his legacy to the rock hounding community will be remembered for many years to come, as his collection was second to none. Please accept my condolences and love, remembering a life well lived. Regards Don Stanley

My condolences to his family and friends.

Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing, sincere condolences to the family - we have many memories of time spent together over the years at Rock and Gemstone shows and rock hounding together - Jack was one of the finest polishers of tumbled gemstones in New Zealand - RIP Jack, your work is done.
Colin Simmons and family

From Gloria Gibson. Jack was a dear friend and part of or extended family. We are devastated at his passing. My love, goes out to all his family and friends. We had so many great times together wether it was gathering rocks or just visiting for a chat. We loved him very much

We got to know Jack and Jeannine Geerlings during our time in Galatea. We were sharelilking there from '94 to '98. As fellow Dutchman it was easy to get on with them. He had a wonderful voice and was a member of the Galatea choir as was I (Joanna). Later we met up again during our South Iland time in Winton and Dacre. We kept contact. Jack was one of those friends who, no matter how long we hadn't seen eachother, you just took up again from where we've left off. He showed us proudly around his farm, gardens and Rock collections. We exchanged rocks at times. They will forever remind us. Thank you for being a friend Jack.
Jaap and Joanna de Vegt

I love you Uncle Jack. I wish I had a chance to have spent more time with you. The times that I did get will be tresured so dearly. You crack me up so much. I will always remember your voice and your strong strong opinions. I will always remember your positive outlook and hilarious sense of humour. I will always remember your generosity. You will be missed dearly. I will sing for you the next time I am in the ocean and the waves will carry a song to heaven for you just like you sang for Aunty Jeannine. Lots of Love always your niece Esther xxx

Dear Cousins,

My condolences to you all.

Your parents gave me twice beautiful memories of them and of New Zealand when I visited them in 1994 and 1997.

I wish that your loss may turn into beautiful memories.

You will always be in our memorie Jack, you were that brother who made me discover deer at night at the Veluwe were we waited silently to observe them.
Thanks for all the love you gave us and your great humor.
We live you for the eternity.

Dear all,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you strength and courage as you navigate through this difficult period. Thank you that we were allowed to join the service with the link. Once I found this poem and I could only think of Oom Jaap😁. Keep on smiling and remember all the nice and fun moments with your dad / opa. Lot’s of love. Mireille (ps nice music with Mireille Mathieu)

Out of a pellucid brook
Pebbles round and smooth I took :
Like a jewel, every one
Caught a color from the sun, —
Ruby red and sapphire blue,
Emerald and onyx too,
Diamond and amethyst, —
Not a precious stone I missed :
Gems I held from every land
In the hollow of my hand.
Workman Water these had made ;
Patiently through sun and shade,
With the ripples of the rill
He had polished them until,
Smooth, symmetrical and bright,
Each one sparkling in the light
Showed within its burning heart
All the lapidary’s art ;
And the brook seemed thus to sing :
Patience conquers everything !

My deepest sympathies to all
Of Jacks family. I have got to know Jack over the last five months. I will miss our weekly chats. Rest easy Jack, xx