Gerald died peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on September 13, 2022, in Victoria, BC, aged 66 years.
Gerald is survived by his wife Diane, his children Abigail, Bethany, Emily and Joshua, and his sisters Linda and Karen.
Gerald was born in Toronto, Ontario, but spent most of his life in western Canada, living in Prince George, Nanaimo and Victoria. He had a long career at CFB Esquimalt as an electronics technician and had many a story to tell about his work there. He enjoyed flying model airplanes, hiking, skiing and sailing in his younger days. Coming into fatherhood quite late in life, he liked nothing better than spending quality family time with his son and stepdaughters, taking them camping in his trailer or to his favourite spots on Pender Island. He also really enjoyed ballroom dancing and music.
Heartfelt thanks to Kiwanis Pavilion staff for their genuine care and compassion.
No service by request. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in Gerald’s name.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
www.mccallgardens.com
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Andrew
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Richard I’m saddened to hear the passing of Gerald. I also worked very closely with him for many years, and fondly remember his smile, and his humor. He enjoyed “Old English” style humor. I recall a particularly funny time in which Gerald was enjoying some food items he obtained from England. “Anybody for some ‘Spotted Dick?'” he would ask like it was a normal event. We very much enjoyed getting the weather updates from him, especially upon seeing some snow in the forecast. He’d be the first to inform like it was a special secret, He’d say quietly…”Hey, Snow Day comin”. I could go on and on to share how fun and pleasant Gerald always was, no matter what was going on. He was a kind, sharing, gentle person that loved seeing peoples faces light up with a smile. He loved his family to no end.
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Ross Todd, Victoria It was an honour working with, and getting to know, Gerald over the 15 years we worked together at Dockyard. He was always full of interesting stories and offered himself to anyone in need.
Very sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed by many.
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Samuel Slanina I worked with Gerald for a long time in the communications shop at the dockyard.
I always enjoyed his company and was often amused by his stories of happenings away from work, as well as tales of interesting characters and scenarios at work too.
Gerald was a kind and gentle person who cared about other people.
He was a diligent worker who tried his best to do work of high quality, and usually hit that mark.
But we also shared some great laughs too, when things sometimes went sideways, or someone shared a joke or a prank.
He is, and will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to Diane and the family.
May Gerald rest in peace.
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Glenn Gilmour I worked with Gerald for many years. He was always a very solid person full of kindness and so gentle. It is sad that he got Alzheimer’s and went at too young of an age. I recall how happy he was to have met Diane and then build a family with her. Gone too soon.
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Mike Thomas Hi Diane and children. Marlene and I were shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Gerald. Gerald was a valued member of shop 22 (later 151) in Dockyard and I enjoyed working with him in the instrument room. Unfortunately I lost contact when I moved to the Cal Centre. Marlene and I only met you and the girls at your wedding but were very happy for Gerald because he had found the perfect love of his life. Please accept our deepest condolences to you, Abigail, Bethany, Emily and Joshua.
sincerely Mike and Marlene Thomas. Sooke BC.
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David Forbes Although I have not seen Gerald since I was with him in Scouts many years ago, I was saddened to read of his passing. I was likewise sorry to learn that he had battled Alzheimer’s as I am only a year older. Condolences to your family. ~ David Forbes, Medicine Hat, Alberta
Diane, I’m so terribly sad to hear of Gerald’s passing last September. I can’t begin to imagine how truly devastated you, Josh, and the girls must be to lose him to early onset Alzheimers at such a very young age. Both yourself, Josh, Abby, Beth, and Emily, are in my thoughts, and my prayers.
Rest in peace Gerald. You were a lovely man. A beautiful soul. I’m pleased that life brought us together to meet.
Andrew.