GERALD LETOURNEAU

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GERALD LETOURNEAU Peacefully, on Sunday, October 10, 2010, Gerry Letourneau - our husband, dad, grandfather, uncle and friend - passed away in the home that he loved, with his beloved family by his side. He lived 80 wonderful years, steeped in the love of all those that knew him. He will be forever remembered and sorely missed by his wife of 52 years, Madge, his daughter Alison and son-in-law Chen, daughter Leanne, sons Gerry and Ron, grandchildren Sevan, Tal, and Maiya, Meghan and Jack, Bryan and Jarred, and many nieces, nephews and close friends. Gerry was predeceased by his parents Alphonse and Aldora, and brothers and sisters Simone, Alice, Christine, Jules, Art, Lou, and Ralph who was also his best friend. Dad was born in Winnipeg; the youngest of eight children. He grew up on Arlington Street in a home he shared with 16 others in an extended family that crossed generations, and he loved it. His was a francophone family, trying to adjust to an Anglophone world, yet he remained ever honoured by his heritage and past. He attended St. Edward's Elementary School and Church and was a devoted member to both. He was a proud alumnus of St. Paul's High School where he excelled at sports and played three years on the Varsity basketball team. At the age of 17 he embarked on a 43 year career at Air Canada, working with a close-knit group that formed the basis of many lifelong friendships. In 1950 Dad met Mom, a woman he forever adored. They were married in 1958 and soon welcomed four children to their world and their home on Thompson Drive in St. James. They attended St. Paul the Apostle Church where Madge and Gerry remained active parishioners for 50 years. Gerry coached his kids in hockey, soccer and baseball at Sturgeon Creek Community Club and formed many enduring attachments to yet another circle of cherished friends. Dad was blessed with many talents and a razor sharp wit. He loved to golf, curl, draw and paint. He read voraciously, cooked and baked, and followed the stars. His clever, almost ingenious sense of humour was legendary - always fun and lighthearted. His eyes sparkled with joy at making others laugh. Dad's favourite place in the world was his cottage at Willow Island. He loved to welcome his family and friends there, to putter in the house, and on the sandy shore, to watch the pelicans, feed the squirrels and track time. Dad's grandchildren were the ultimate source of pride for a humble and unassuming man. He followed their sports, theatre, music; their highs and their lows, with devotion. He was the best Grandpa and Dad ever. Everyone in Dad's orbit was keenly aware of how special he was. He brought out the best in us. His deep connection to family extended to many nieces and nephews and to foster children, and those who were without family. Flowers are gratefully declined, though donations in Gerry's name to Winnipeg Harvest or Development and Peace (www.devp.org) are greatly appreciated. Funeral Mass will take place at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Avenue, Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. Go now, good and faithful servant, to the place prepared for you from all eternity. May you be welcomed by your family who have preceded you and by your guardian angel. Go with our love and in peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2010