GERALD JOSEPH KUTA

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GERALD JOSEPH KUTA (Husband of Deana Halladay) Unexpectedly on April 3, 2011 at his residence, Gerry Kuta died at the age of 59 years of coronary artery disease. Gerry is survived by his loving wife Deana Halladay and their sons Kalan (12) and Rylan (10). He is also survived by his mother Estelle Kuta. He was predeceased by his father Joseph in 1982 at the age of 59. Dasher, our mini-dachshund, stayed with Gerry until Deana and the boys returned. Gerry was one month away from his 60th birthday. Gerry had many fond memories of growing up on Strathcona Street and valued the life skills acquired while living in the West End. During Gerry's childhood, there were many trips to Chicago during summer holidays to visit relatives. This must have instilled a yearning for travel as Gerry visited such destinations as Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Majorca, Monaco, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil and from coast to coast in Canada and the United States. Gerry attended Issac Brock and Gordon Bell High School. He furthered his education by earning degrees from the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. He was employed by the City of Winnipeg in the Forestry Branch which later amalgamated with the Public Works Department. Many life-long friends were made through his work. Gerry fought hard to protect the American Elm trees across Winnipeg with his extensive knowledge of Dutch Elm Disease. He was a true champion of the environment and nature. Gerry was an outstanding Dad to Kalan and Rylan. With the arrival of each baby, Gerry took a year of parental leave. Our home was a never ending education of how to hatch monarch butterflies or black swallowtails, how to root a jade plant or a cactus, how to grow a tri-ops or what to feed a stick bug. Gerry instilled a thirst for knowledge in our children. Weekends were a favourite time for Gerry and the boys. There was always a special destination that was fitting for the time of year... the annual trip to the Narcisse snake pits, The Forks, Manitoba Museum, Fort Whyte or just hitting the mall. Grand Beach held a special place in Gerry's heart which started when he was only three weeks old. Our family has so many memories of woodstove pizzas, lazy days on the beach, skipping rocks at the channel, cocktail hour on the deck, the laser, the tree fort and long walks to soak in a sunset after a stop at Lanky's. Our family would like to thank the fire paramedic unit, Winnipeg Police and medical examiner's office for their compassion and sensitivity during those initial difficult moments. The boys and I are overwhelmed by the outpouring of offers of assistance and support from family, friends, co-workers and colleagues. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude. Please join us to celebrate Gerry's life at Larters at St. Andrews Golf Country Club, 30 River Road, St. Andrews (10 minutes north of the Perimeter off of Main Street) on Saturday April 9 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The family would be grateful if you could share your favourite memory or a story about Gerry. As a tribute to Gerry, if you wish to make a charitable donation, please consider Tree Canada's Green Streets Program which funds projects that promote and increase urban forests throughout Canada's municipalities. (www.treecanada.ca) Live life to the fullest and have no regrets... With love til we meet again, Deana, Kalan and Rylan

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2011