Gerry passed away peacefully with family at his side on March 23rd, 2009 at Royal Columbian Hospital. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, a cherished friend and colleague. Gerry is survived by his wife Gloria, children Judy (Gary), Connie (Jerry), Jill (Joe), Geoff, Janice (Steve), and eight grandchildren, Laura, Jenna, James, Maggie, Sarah, Kellie, Stephanie, and Brett. Legendary for his quick wit and poignant puns, Gerry was also extremely musical and played the “squeeze box” and piano by ear. Later in life he began to compose musicals and became interested in writing. He had a passion for politics and history, plus a general curiosity about the universe. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 16th, 1925 he graduated from the University of Manitoba medical school in 1950. While practicing family medicine in Saskatchewan, he met Gloria, a nurse who became the love of his life. They married in Armstrong, BC, in 1951. Gerry completed residency in chest and cardiovascular surgery at the Mayo Clinic in 1956, then moved to the West Coast. He had a busy thoracic and vascular surgical practice in the lower mainland. Upon retirement from surgery at RCH, he formed the Westminster Vein Clinic and continued to practice until May 2008. Many thanks to the 6 North nursing staff at RCH.
No service by request. A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 28th at the Vancouver Golf Club 771 Austin Ave. Coquitlam from 1pm-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.