GERARD (JERRY) JOSEPH DUBOIS

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GERARD (JERRY) JOSEPH DUBOIS It is with regret and sorrow that we announce Jerry's passing on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the Riverview Health Centre following a lengthy battle with cancer. Jerry was 81. Born on December 27, 1928 in the quiet rural setting of Saint Malo, Manitoba, Jerry was one of 16 children whose youth was spent enjoying the pleasures and enduring the hardships of life in 1930s Manitoba. But the vast expanse of prairie sky could not contain his aching desire for more and so he went to Winnipeg, the doorway to a broader world, where he did several jobs, notably with the Canadian National Railway and Canada Post, and met his lovely and soon-to-be bride Cecile (née Desmarais). During this time, Jerry and Cecile had four boys and three girls - the eldest boy, Larry, died in infancy - and enjoyed taking their six surviving children to Saint Malo and the site where his family gathered along the shores of the Rat River. These indelible memories would eternally win all hearts. Then, in the fervour that can accompany unfulfilled longing, missteps in judgment were made that scarred some and taught others. Life and love cannot be sustained by wine and song alone. And while Jerry did not always make the right choices - after all, who does? - his passions were unmistakable. Certainly his love for music, movies, humour and storytelling infected us all and will always be treasured! He was also a tremendous fan of the Montreal Canadiens! And now, dear departed father, the words of famed country singer Hank Snow sound truer than ever: I'm movin' on . Left to remember Jerry are his wife, Cecile; his children: Linda (Tim), Nicole (Rick), Lilliane, Gerry (Anita), Richard (Tara) and Marcel; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild (with another on the way). A memorial service will be celebrated on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prostate Cancer Canada, 145 Front St. E., Suite 306, Toronto, ON M5A 1E3. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2010