Gerald McGeough — Grandpa, Poppa, father, husband, brother, son and generous friend; Gerry passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2019 in Saanichton, British Columbia. He joins his daughter, Barbara McGeough. He is survived by his wife, Marion and his children, Maureen, Michael, Christopher, Gerry, Kevin and Rosemary. He will be dearly missed by his children-in-law, Warren, Colin, Leslie, Luce, Amanda and Pat, his thirteen grandchildren, and the many people he touched with the depth of his kindness, warmth and generosity.
Gerry was born in Govan, Saskatchewan on November 15, 1930, the second youngest child of Margaret Gertrude (Lannan) and Joseph Lawrence McGeough, later the step-son of Rose Harriet (Gettis). He was brother to Vince, Bill, Eileen, and Johnny, whom he now joins.
High school sweethearts, Gerry and Marion were married on October 21, 1956. Gerry loved to note that they were married for 63 years, but Marion was his girlfriend for 70 years. Their steadfast love for each other shone and Gerry’s love of family and his seven children was an inspiration for future generations.
Gerry earned an LLB and a BA from the University of Saskatoon in 1957. He was a named partner at the firm of Sinclair McGeough Lilburn in Calgary, Alberta. He was a voracious reader, progressive theologian, keen political observer and compassionate to the core. In his kindness in supporting so many people, he always wished to remain anonymous; he took action out of love, never accolades, serving and supporting innumerable charities and communities over the years.
In 1988, Gerry and Marion moved from Calgary to North Saanich, British Columbia, into their beloved home, Ty Mor. There, they welcomed their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends into the warmth of their home and the beauty of the ocean, which they observed and enjoyed each day.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption, 7742 West Saanich Road, Saanichton, BC, V8M 1R7 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2020. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Gerry’s incredible kindness, the family requests donations be made to the Magoo Fund at the Victoria Foundation. To donate online, please go to www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/victoria-foundation/ and select the “Magoo Fund” from the drop-down list or call the Victoria Foundation directly at 250-381-5532.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bruce Sinclair
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Laura Robertson Sincere condolences to the McGeough Family on the loss of your father. The love you shared with him will continue to grow and he will be forever in your heart.
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Anne (Chandler) Gillis Greetings. One of our extended family read this obituary in the Globe and Mail last Saturday. It sounds like Gerry had a wonderful and full life. My Mother Marion (Mahar) Chandler referred to him periodically over the years. Her Mother (Mary Ann (Lannan) Mahar) was an older sister to his Mother Gert. Several of we ‘2nd cousins’ in PEI send our greetings and acknowledge your loss of Gerald.
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Bill & Bette-Jo Phelan So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was a great neighbour and a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with Marion and the McGeough family.
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James Murphy Dear Maureen, Michael, Christopher, Gerry, Kevin and Rosemary; as I heard of Gerry’s passing from my sister Kathleen the news brings all the memories of Gerry while he and Marion raised your family here in Calgary. He always had time to discuss what was important in life of the person he was having a conversation with whether it was at home, church or at the residence of his friends from his university days. Gerry always made us feel welcome and the dinners and the events that “The Gourmet Club” had for our families at your Inner City Acreage in Wildwood are ones we cherish dearly. Gerry had a keen wit and clear understanding of his faith that was lived out in his love for Marion. The blessings of Gerry’s life are seen in the family of Marion and Gerry.
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Elise Heon To Gerry Jr and Luce
The loss of your father is a big difficult step as I always heard of him as a great man, great dad and grand dad. I am sorry I never met him. I wish you and your family my sincerest
condolences and send you warm wishes.much love
Elise
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Bryce Holtz Sadly just heard of Gerry’s passing…Lunch’s will never be the same without Gerry and Ray and Roy
Jim and Brian and I will attempt to carry on and will be fondly remembering his laughter and stories.
Gerry was there when I needed assistance and an ear…such a modest gentleman…Love Bryce
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Gerry & Syl Johnson Dear McGeough Family, we were very sorry to hear of your loss. We have lived on Inverness for the past 14 years and were fortunate enough to have known your Dad & Mom. We always had lots of happy conversations with your Dad as he walked by our place in the summers while we were out gardening. In the past years we have hosted the Inverness Summer Get Togethers and were happy to have your Dad & Mom attend. Your Dad was such a happy, lively neighbour to have known. We were unable to attend his church service but we are certainly thinking of all of you at this time. Sincerely Sylvia & Gerry Johnson
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Susan Gallant Susan Gallant & Garry McComb
Mr. McGeough was always a welcoming and generous man with his time and advice. His keen interest was always evident in conversations over the years. It’s comforting to know he will be with Barbara.
My sincerest condolences to Gerry’s family….he lived a good life surrounded by everyone he loved.
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Denis McGeough MY wife Barbara and I are sorry for your loss. We met Gerald at his home in Victoria area while we were visiting the Island in 2008. We went out to their beautiful home there. We also met with one of his sons and grandsons that were visiting there. He was truly the end of the Joe McGeough era as was my Dad Ray the end of his brother John McGeough’s era. It is now up to the sons and daughters of both of these great pioneering men to carry on the McGeough legacy.
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Kathy Phillips Gerry was one of the gentlest and kindest people that I’ve ever met. He had the rare gift of connecting with people. He and Marion were always so welcoming and warm to Ken and I. I have many fond memories of visits at Ty Mor and a family gathering at our place wasn’t complete unless Gerry and Marion were attending. They were so supportive during Ken’s illness and passing and then later when Brian came into my life, they extended the same warm welcome to him. Gerry had a way of making you feel like your conversation was the most important thing in the world at the moment. He was present. He was one of the good guys, and he will be missed. Our sincere condolences to all of the McGeough’s and everyone who loved him. Love, Brian and Kathy
Dear McGeoghs
Just heard of Gerry’s passing. We have many fond memories of him and his special friendship with my father .
Please know you are all in our prayers
Bruce Sinclair and family
Calgary