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DR. GERALD W. REMPEL  Obituary pic

DR. GERALD W. REMPEL

Born: Jan 02, 1942

Date of Passing: Aug 05, 2014

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DR. GERALD W. REMPEL January 2, 1942 - August 5, 2014 Our Gerry grew up in small town Manitoba, and, although not favoured physically by nature and fortune, endowed with a gift for learning, he graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1966. A gentle soul, compassionate to those he treated, he won the Best Bedside Manner award among the new interns at St. Boniface Hospital. He said that, at his first position in Winnipeg's North End, the doctors were frequently paid with homemade sausage rings, and other delicacies, and for the rest of his life he could never equate doctoring with the accumulation of wealth. Eventually he found a niche with CN and Air Canada in Winnipeg, acquiring Flight Surgeon Qualifications, and looking after the well-being of all those who shepherd us through the skies. For the last thirty-five years he continued this good work in Vancouver, where he lived his idiosyncratic private life on Beach Avenue, and more important public life at his airport clinic. His family in Manitoba always looked forward to his visits, arriving in an enormous rented Lincoln Continental, filled with his generous spirit. Thanks to all those who made his life pleasant, and all those who tried their best to keep him in this world. Vivere est laborare. He lived for his work. Left to remember are his son Matthew (Karen), two grandsons Jackson and Maxwell, two brothers Ryan (Yvonne) and Melvin, nieces Tara, Marisa, Leslie and their families, his friends, family and colleagues, and many appreciative patients.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2014

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Gerry was a very important part of our family. We all loved him and missed him when he moved to Vancouver in the 1970s. I have many wonderful pictures of him with little Matthew. He was extraordinarily handsome and so darn funny! I have many wonderful memories burned in my brain from age 16 on. I was so saddened to hear that Gerry left us much too early. I am comforted that he died doing what he loved ... his work. My sympathies go out to Matthew (Karen) and the twins, Jackson and Maxwell, and to all of Gerry's surviving loved ones: brothers Ryan (Yvonne) and Melvin, and Gerry's nieces. Love you, Gerry! Enjoy your new peaceful existence! Will see you again soon! - Posted by: LaWren Giesbrecht (Sister-in-lawS) on: Oct 17, 2014

  • Gerry was my forever brother(in-law). He will be forever loved, forever missed and lovingly remembered by his other family The Giesbrechts. And Mel thank you for his lovely obituary. xo - Posted by: Bonnie Friesen (Sister in law) on: Sep 29, 2014

  • To Oscar and Elma's adult children, Ryan,(Yvonne) and Tara, Mel, grandchild Matthew and great grandchildren of this very special family. I was deeply sorry to hear about Gerry's passing, so soon after his "Uncle George's" death..Sadly, for me, it is the end of an era- an era with precious memories intermingled with life's pain. Now you two, Mel and Ryan, you've been handed the torch to carry on as elders of the newer generations of Tara, Matthew and his precious children who I incidentally have never met. You will "come to town" so to speak in your oversized Lincoln with your generous spirits and stand tall for the younger ones. It's been a long time but I love you all as if it was yesterday. I will never forget this family and all the love and the good times we shared. I carry a little piece of you all in my heart. Hildie Reimer Rempel Jacyk - Posted by: Hildie Reimer Rempel Jacyk (Dear dear friend and nephew to my former spouse, George Rempel) on: Aug 26, 2014

  • Dr Remple will be greatly missed by all. He had been a true asset to the YVR flying community. His wisdom and experience will be greatly missed. Shawn Cole - Posted by: Shawn Cole (Aero Medical Patient) on: Aug 22, 2014

  • Matt and family, my heart goes out to you. Gerry was a great person who was always friendly and had a smile on his face. Your dad, you and I go back a long way. I remember you coming into the bank as a young kid with Gerry and watching you grow up as well. May Gerry rest in peace.. - Posted by: Penny Braidwood (Banker and neighbourgeckogirlcan@hotmail.com) on: Aug 20, 2014

  • We were sad to hear of Gerry's passing Our deepest condolences go out to the Rempel family - Posted by: Griz And Donna Rosenfeld (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2014

  • Will miss seeing you on the elevator when I went for my walk in the mornings and you were off to work. - Posted by: Vi Barker (Tenant from Beach Towers) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • It is sad news indeed to hear of Gerry's death. As young adults in Steinbach, Manitoba, Gerry & I shared many good times within our social group of friends. Once, during that time, when together with others on some weekend shenanigans, I picked up a speck in my eye causing me extreme discomfort. Dr. in training, Gerald Rempel immediately assessed the situation & instructed me to lie down in the car where he proceeded to gently daub a tissue in the affected area of the eye, removing the speck and thereby giving me instant and wonderful relief. I told him that now I would be his friend for life, as in the story of the lion who had a thorn removed from his paw. Funny, I always think of that episode whenever Gerry's name comes up. Gerry, friend forever, you will be missed. - Posted by: Norman Friesen (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Our condolences to The Rempel Family . - Posted by: Dave and Darlene Voss () on: Aug 12, 2014

  • It was a joy to work with Dr. Gerry Rempel for 14 years at VrAIMSS and Ultima YVR South. He was a gentle soul, a very caring and devoted man to his profession and the ones he cared for. He will be missed. With respect, rest in peace Gerry. - Posted by: Betty Fusick ((Work Colleague)) on: Aug 12, 2014

  • Dear Matthew and family, Ryan and Melvin, So sorry to hear about Gerry. Gerry spent a lot of time with my dad, and his uncle, Peter, when dad was alive. They went to the horse races together and were quite cute, as they were similar in personality. I think they agreed on a lot of things. Sharon and I enjoyed seeing Gerry. He visited dad at the extended care home when dad was not well and attended several family events there. We appreciated this so much. We will all miss Gerry and are so sorry for your loss. Mavis (cousin)and Gord Halsey-Brandt, Julie and family - Posted by: Mavis Halsey-Brandt (Cousin) on: Aug 11, 2014

  • We are sad to hear of Gerry's death. Ryan, I too have lost an older brother. Older brothers, when we're growing up, are not famous for their kindness to younger siblings (or their friends), but I remember Gerry as good-natured, well-intentioned, and tolerant. With a wry sense of humour that brought for unexpectedly hilarious comments from time to time. Go in peace, brother of my good friend. - Posted by: Ralph Friesen (Friend) on: Aug 11, 2014

  • My deepest condolences to Gerry's family on the passing of a remarkable individual who was such a fun person during our high school days and who went on to create such a great career legacy. I hold wonderful memories of our being teenagers and young adults when we socialized in the same party circles and even won a twist dance contest at one country dance! Great memories of carefree youth! May Gerry have a peaceful repose. - Posted by: Helen Feniuk (High school classmate) on: Aug 11, 2014

  • Matt you know what your dad meant to me. We shared the same year of birth and joked about it frequently. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him until I retired. We were both suppose to retire at the same time, but he enjoyed his time with the pilots and wanted to stay as long as he could, and he did. He will be missed by both Wilson and myself and all the pilots who came to see him - Posted by: Wendy Andre and Wilson Andre (Work colleague) on: Aug 10, 2014

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