“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters; He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
– Psalm 23:1-3

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of:

Gerhard Charles Edwards
Sunrise 28 nov 1953 – Sunset 27 mei 2026
A beloved husband, father, and pillar of strength to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A man of integrity, virtue, and quiet resolve, Gerhard lived his life with unwavering dedication to those he loved. For many years he served as an English and Social Studies teacher in Curaçao (Juan Pablo Duarte, St. Jozef Technical School and Marnix), and in the Netherlands,(Dunamare Onderwijsgroep in Haarlem), a vocation that reflected his lifelong belief in the power of knowledge, patience, and leading by example.

For over 40 years, he stood faithfully by the side of his wife, Helen, through every season of life.
As a father to his daughters, Denise and Dorothy, he was far more than a parent,
he was a steady source of strength, guidance, and unconditional love.
He was the kind of man you could always lean on, build upon, and trust without question.

Through his actions more than his words, Gerhard imparted the values of dedication, persistence, and discipline, lessons that will continue to live on through his children and all who were touched by his life.

He will also be warmly remembered for his humor. He had a natural gift for laughter, a way of lighting up a room with a well-timed joke and a warmth that drew people in. That joy he carried, and so freely shared, will remain one of the most cherished parts of his legacy.

Gerhard was a man who attracted friendship naturally and kept it faithfully. His circle gathered at the familiar tables of VanderTweel and Carrefour, where chairs always seemed to find their way to his side.
Among those closest to him were Glen, Wendel, Pichardo, Marie, Milton, Boudewijn, Aleco and Ramon (a friend of more than 60 years). Each of them knew what it meant to be in Gerry’s company: warmth, laughter, and a loyalty that never faded.

One friendship stands apart in its own remarkable way. On a flight to Curaçao, Gerhard met Najib, a Frenchman from Paris. What began as a chance encounter blossomed into a bond that spanned decades and continents. Najib and wife returned to Curaçao when his firstborn arrived, and again with more of his family. When Gerhard was in the Netherlands, Najib would make the drive from Paris just to spend time with him. Gerhard considered Najib as his “bonus” son and that says everything about the kind of man he was.

Another friendship since September 1975 is with Howard from Seattle, with whom he is still friends.

To all the friends and acquaintances not mentioned by name: Rudi, Wilma, Lita, Cyslin, Omaira, Rieke, Arthur, Nes , Cedric, Ronald, Chinto, Richard and so many others, you know who you are, and you know the role you played in his life. He carried each of you with him
.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated teams at CMC who cared for Gerhard with skill and deep compassion: Dr. Isa and staff (Urologie) Dr. Torres Rivas (Radiotherapy) and staff Dr. Zoran and staff (Oncologie).

Each of them brought not only their expertise, but their humanity and the family is profoundly grateful.
Gerhard is survived by his beloved wife, (Carmelita) Helen Vry-Edwards, and
his daughters Denise and Dorothy Edwards.

We as a family had the privilege to enjoy his humor, his love for fashion, music, history and cars.
We are forever grateful.

He is deeply mourned by the families Edwards, Beckles, van Bellen, Wiel Bostdorp and Vry. Nieces and nephews.

Those who wish to attend the farewell service are warmly welcome on May 30, 2026, at El Tributo Otrobanda, Sala 2. Condolences may be offered from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a speech. Afterwards, we will proceed to Crematorium
El Tributo Jan Noorduynweg, where the cremation will be held in a private ceremony.