It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gerald Macleod late on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 in Victoria, BC. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Meredith; his children Fraser, Keiller (Dorothy) and Raili (Sandra); his grandchildren Malcolm and Stella and his brother Rod (Sheryl). He was predeceased by his brother Doug (2008); his sister-in-law Pat (2021) and his parents Wells (1996) and Lillie (2002).
Our dad was born in Rose Valley, SK and after completing graduate school at Carlton University in Ottawa, he married our mom, Meredith and they settled in Winnipeg. He was a teacher and administrator in the Fort Garry School Division (now Pembina Trails SD) for many years, starting at Acadia Junior High, before becoming principal of Pembina Crest, General Byng and Vincent Massey Collegiate. He took great pride in his work, in the lives of the students in his charge and providing leadership for the teachers in his schools. Upon retiring in 1998, he established the International Student Program for FGSD. All of his experience in education led him to co-founding Maple Bear Global Schools in 2005. With Maple Bear, he was able to bring his vision for teaching and providing education opportunities for children to countries all over the world, leading to the establishment of hundreds of schools which are now located in Brazil, India, Mexico, Turkey, Albania, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Siri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam.
Through education, he was able to make deep connections and wonderful lasting friendships everywhere he travelled. He enjoyed experiencing the different cultural settings and environments each school or country presented. He strived to provide to his teachers and administrators all the tools and guidance to be successful. He firmly believed that education was a lifelong journey, and he enjoyed that journey through every day of his life.
He became an avid traveller after winning a scholarship to study for a year in Tours, France during university. This was a passion he shared with Meredith and his family. He believed experience was a wonderful teacher and wanted all of us to see what the world had to offer. Whether it was taking his family to France for a year to experience a new culture, his sons to Ghana to see the land their ancestors came from, his daughter and grandkids to see Paris or with his wife on a life-changing safari in Africa. He saw value in seeing the world, as it provided him, and us, with an open mind and kept us grounded and humble, with great respect for what we have and where we are from.
He was first and foremost a family man and was a great father, husband and grandfather. He showed us that you can build a life with your partner based on trust and love, and it can survive all the challenges that come up. Together with Meredith, he ensured we always had a safe stable environment with every opportunity possible to grow and experience life. He believed in his family, nurtured our potential, and accepted us for who we are, unconditionally. He was always ready with a wise word of advice, with a helping hand when we needed it, or simply a hug to let us know he was always there. He had a wonderful command of language and instilled in us his love of reading. He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed sharing a good laugh. He taught us the importance of family, to care for those in your charge. He demonstrated to us the importance of taking pride in our name and reputation, as it is what defines all of us. He showed us the value of respecting and trusting those you work with, treating them equally and fairly. He was always looking forward to the future and what would come next and enjoyed the challenge of starting new things and including others in his vision.
He was happiest in his final years when he was with his family, sharing time and adventures with his wife, helping his children on their journey into adulthood and beyond, and enjoying time with his beloved grandkids, Malcolm and Stella.
Our dad is gone, but his education legacy and impact continue on through his students, his staff and teachers he worked with both here in Manitoba, and all over the world, and through us, his family. We thank him for every gift he gave us, but most importantly, for the gift of being our father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sistema Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, which is a program that delivers musical training at no cost for participating families.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marie Buisson
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Doug MacKay Dear Aunt Meredith and cousins,
I’m so shocked and saddened of the loss of Uncle Gerald, who I always thought of as a giant of a man. While we didn’t see each other often, it always seemed with Uncle Gerald that the gaps in time didn’t matter – that as family we were all good.My deepest condoleces and sympathy to you Aunt Meredith, Fraser, Keiller and Raili at this trying time,
Doug MacKay and family, Calgary, AB
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Terry Borys Dear Meredith, Fraser, Keiller, Raili, and family,
I’m saddened to learn of Gerald’s sudden passing. He was a brilliant educator and a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time and I send you my deepest sympathy.
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Jim McLaren and family Jim McLaren and family
My sincere sympathy to the Macleod family on your loss. As others have documented, Gerald was a man who made a positive difference and used his remarkable abilities to form meaningful relationships with others in many parts of our planet. He contributed great value during his lifetime and left a wonderful legacy. He will be greatly missed.
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Paul Doyle Dear Meredith and family, our deepest condolences. I always enjoyed Gerald’s pioneer spirit and having many conversations with him about education, travel and the state of the world. I will always have fond memories of our first school exchange trip in Toulouse, France in 1989…those were the days! Take care, Paul Doyle and family, Winnipeg, MB
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Ken Allison What a remarkable man!!! I had the privilege of meeting Gerald when I started with Maple Bear in Korea. Gerald embodied integrity, honesty and all that is good in a professional wanting to use education and to assist others. He was of immense help to all who needed him and his advice. I loved his warmth and sense of humour, his initiative and his spirit. He will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences to Meredith and the rest of his family and friends.
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Janice Low Sincere sympathies to Gerald’s extended family. I have fond memories of our working relationship in the Principal’s Association of the Fort Garry School Division. Gerald had a great sense of humour and an entrepreneurial spirit that benefited the Division and provided international opportunities for many of my colleagues.
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John,Pat ,Andrea Slododian Dear Meredith and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing.May your memories bring you comfort. Our deepest sympathy. John,Pat Andrea Slobodian
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Janet Andrews My deepest condolences to Meredith, and all of Gerald’s extended family. While I never met Gerald when working in Fort Garry School Division I did meet him after retiring and working for Maple Bear. Gerald was always a gentleman and I enjoyed his support and friendship during that time. I am very saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He leaves a large legacy and an enduring memory.
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Anastasia yereniuk I am saddened to learn of the loss of our beloved Gerald, an exceptional educator and a most caring spirited gentleman. Gerald made a humongous difference in so many lives including mine. I am ever so grateful to have learned from him, shared stories with him, especially Saskatchewan ones, and am grateful for a lasting friendship. My heart goes out to Meredith and family … he loved you all to the moon and back.
Gerald’s legacy will live forever.
Eternal Memories
Anastasia and Roman
Dear Meredith and family,
I was very saddened to hear of Gerald’s sudden death. Over the years I was fortunate to have Gerald as my principal , the principal at my children’s school and also my employer at Maple Bear. He always managed to combine professionalism with caring, kindness and consideration for the individual. He has left a lasting legacy. My deepest condolences to Meredith and family.