Gerald Douglas Resch passed away early Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Royal Jubilee Hospital after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. Gerry was born in Winnipeg in 1931. At 17 he enlisted with the First Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and began a long, successful career with the Canadian Armed Forces. He served as a gunner, a paratrooper and instructor, among other duties. He went overseas for the Korean Conflict and was posted extensively during the rest of his career to Germany (twice) and across Canada in Gagetown, New Brunswick; Toronto, Ontario; Winnipeg and Shilo, Manitoba; and Victoria B.C. A life-long-learner, education was very important to Gerry and he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. He rose through the ranks and retired from the Forces as a Major. He was invited to serve on government Boards and had a private consulting company. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit at Rideau Hall in 1988. Gerry finished his career as a professor at Royal Roads Military College.
Through all the many moves and relocations, Victoria was always Gerry and Mary’s chosen home. When they finally settled down, they embraced the mild climate and spent countless hours exploring and hiking. They joined the Cordova Bay Hiking Club and the Outdoor Club of Victoria and made many lifelong friends.
Travel was another passion. Together they explored Europe, Korea, Australia, Mexico, much of the U.S. and enjoyed numerous cruises. After Mary’s passing Gerry continued to travel and visited India, explored Turkey and enjoyed trips to South Africa and Botswana. Gerry was happiest when planning the next trip and the one after that. Sadly, a visit to Japan had to be cancelled because of the Covid Virus outbreak.
Gerry was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2016, his sister Pat in 2016 and sister-in-law Shirley in 2019. He is survived by several nieces and nephews, Angela and a wide circle of friends.
As per Gerry’s wishes, he will be cremated with a quiet family ceremony and interment at Royal Oak Burial Park. A reception will be held at the house at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gwen Feikema
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Robert Clark My condolences to Gerry’s family. I had the pleasure to serve at Royal Roads Military College as an Assistant Professor at the same time in the mid 1980s and shared many a delightful conversation with him in the Castle at morning coffees, Beer Calls and Mess Dinners. He was always a quintessential gentleman. A great role model for the officer cadets!
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J. R. Digger MacDougall I was saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry. He was a brother Army officer and leader of, and in, the Personnel Selection Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, He was a friend on whom I could always count for sound counsel and a wonderful person whose company we all enjoyed. He will be missed.
Sincere condolences, and wishes for comfort and peace, to family, friends and all whose lives were touched by Gerry. May his soul be granted eternal rest.They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn,
at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.
We will remember them.
Digger.
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christine dalziel Gerry was treasured in our hiking group. His eagerness to explore new areas and his leadership on the trails were a gift to us all. It was an honour to have spent time with him, enjoying adventures in the wild places.
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Charles (Sandy) Cotton, LCol Retired I was sorry to read of Gerry’s passing. He was a true officer and gentleman and I was privileged to know as a military colleague.
Gerald Resch was my Godfather and although I did not have the pleasure of spending much time with him as we have lived far apart, I did have the pleasure of sharing updates on our lives through Christmas cards over the years. I recently had been asking about him, so he must have been in my thoughts. My condolences to family and friends as I know he will very greatly missed.