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Gaasenbeek
An Immigrant’s Story: Memoirs of a Dutch Canadian


Foreword

Writing these Memoirs has been a much longer and a more exhausting project than I had ever imagined. It is thanks to the many people who have taken the interest and time, and made the effort to help me, that these Memoirs were written at all. My very first editor and cheerleader was our beloved eldest granddaughter, Sarah Cobourn whose enthusiasm and encouragement in the earlier phase helped me to persevere. At a later stage L. Col. Bill Adcock and my long time friend George Fells provided valuable input in such matters as proper grammar, styling, format and suggestions for more needed content where required. Karen Cobourn was very helpful, particularly in editing and toning down some of my perhaps too frank and politically incorrect prose. Karen, your help has been much appreciated. Additional touches which were most valuable were provided by my sister Marty. But most of all I would like to thank the joint forces of the Harrison-Pennington family for the editing, art work and professional advice in bringing this book to completion. Ben, you are the gentlest and finest editor any struggling amateur writer could wish for; Sheila, thank you for your overall guidance; and Timothy, thank you for applying your artistic and computer magic to the layout and art work needed to bring this book to the point of printing. All your help is so much appreciated.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank Mary Sargent, who has been doing my typing for so many years. She has been faithfully retyping my endless drafts and corrections to the point of ad nausea. I do so appreciate your help Mary. I apologize in advance for any inaccuracies, other important people, or stories I have neglected to include. I ask for your understanding that in a book such as this one it is impossible to mention everyone or to remember perfectly all the details of the past. I have done my best and this effort will have to suffice. The final product’s responsibility is, of course, mine alone, but any perceived quality would not have been possible without your much appreciated collective help.

Matthew Gaasenbeek III


H.L. Col. Matthew Gaasenbeek III and Mrs. Dai Gaasenbeek DCTJ, Toronto Garrison Ball - 2007

We'd like to thank Matthew for letting us have a copy of his book for our Electric Canadian readers. It is of course copyright but you can purchase a copy here.

You can read the book in pdf format here.


Matthew owns some 700 acres of forest land and on it he's building this peaceful enclave where folk will be able to relax and meditate. At 88 years of age he's still very active and has recently survived a stroke.  He's trying to complete this before he has another one.

Canada's Defence Policy 2017 Now Taking Off
By Matthew Gaasenbeek III, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (past)


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