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GERALD BRUCE SMITH (GERRY)
Born: May 08, 1937
Date of Passing: May 26, 2021
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GERALD BRUCE SMITH
Gerald was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara. He is survived by his first wife Cathy, mother to his three boys, Douglas (Krista), David (Shannon), Roger (Linda), and his stepsons, Denis (Donna) and Louis who will miss him greatly. He also leaves to mourn his sister, Janet (Douglas), his nephews Mike, Scott, and his six grandchildren, Ashley, Kathryn, Amanda, Jamie, Amber and Cassandra.
In Gerry's earlier years he worked at The Bay, was in the Canadian Air Force and then started his career with the Winnipeg Fire Department (WFD) in 1960. He became a Captain in the WFD in 1990 and retired in 1994, giving him time to do the things he loved. He would spend countless hours in his workshop making...you name it, out of different woods. He put many kilometres on his vehicles, doing road trips, going camping and travelling all over the Continent. Another passion he enjoyed was skydiving, that brought out his wild side. Gerry was also proud of his involvement in Scouts Canada, where he shared many skills. He has left us with so many amazing memories, which we will all hold onto forever. We are going to miss you "Old Fart".
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2021
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I was Gerry's neighbor for 6 or so years. Such a kind man. Always had a story to make you chuckle. Always gave my dogs a treat or 2. We felt very safe because Gerry was our neighborhood watch. The man was a wizard with wood working. If you needed a tool to borrow, he had it. This world will not be the same with out him. Until we meet again Friend. - Posted by: Chris (Neighbor) on: Oct 17, 2021
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Very sorry to hear about Gerry, condolences to the family. I only got to know Gerry about four years ago, through the Parkinson's exercise program at the McIvor church Monday mornings. My wife Monique and I'm pretty sure Barb too, were both diagnosed with PD. Along with Robin Gilmore, Gerry was the heart of that program taking care of the kitchen, setting up the chairs and tables, shopping for the special events and generally acting as the 'captain' of the whole operation! As the rookie I just followed his orders and enjoyed so much his anecdotes and sometimes fish tales! He loved to tell stories! we would reminisce about the olden days of Winnipeg, all sorts of weekend experiences, cars cars cars, but everything seemed to lead back to adventures with the Fire Department! The PD exercises are certainly extremely important but visiting with Gerry and Robin always made the weekly trip entertaining and amusing for me. We'll miss Gerry so much. - Posted by: David Coffell (friend at McIvor church exercises) on: Aug 16, 2021
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I am the oldest of Gerry's long lost Eastern Cousins. In 2004, my wife, Mary Ann and I went to Winnipeg for a conference. Called Gerry Hadn't spoken to him in - really, several decades. He and Barb offered to take us out for Chinese. Late in the afternoon, after the conference afternoon session and before dinner, MA and I went out for our (then) usual run. I always figured I could run out of a hotel and find my way back. Not that time, not that hotel (Fairmont). As dinner hour approached we were dead lost. I called Gerry to explain/apologize. He was totally cool with it. Asked for our co-ordinates, which were pretty vague, and found us in 15 minutes. We had a great dinner with him and Barb and they toured us by our old Winnipeg residences - Downing St., where we lived when I was born, and Wildwood Ave., where we lived at the time of the big flood in '51. Exchanged e-jokes for years after that, but all good things come to an end. - Posted by: David Johnson (Cousin) on: Jun 21, 2021
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My condolences to Janet and all Gerry's family from the eastern branch of the Johnson family. I wish I had known more of our family and cousins out west, but our paths rarely crossed. I have fond memories of visiting Auntie Bess, Uncle Herb, Gerry and the cousins that one time in Winnipeg. - Posted by: Harlab Johnson (First Cousin) on: Jun 20, 2021
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Gerry was my Captain when I was a rookie many years ago and was a great Officer who took the time to mentor my firefighting skills with the flare and love for the job that he processed. He will be missed by all. My heartfelt condolences go out to all his family. - Posted by: Calvin Schilke (Colleague) on: Jun 17, 2021
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Deepest sympathies to the family Cathy, Douglas, David, Roger - Posted by: Darryl Flamand (friend) on: Jun 16, 2021
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Cousin Gerry loved being a firefighter (Ears Smith), he told me so himself. There was room to be yourself and to help others. A good soul, gone too soon. We'll see you on the other side. - Posted by: GLENN JOHNSON (COUSIN) on: Jun 16, 2021
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Gerry was a good guy and a good firefighter. I hope he enjoyed his retirement and I offer my condolences to his family. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Colleague q ) on: Jun 16, 2021
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Deepest sympathies to Douglas, David, Roger and families on the loss of their father and grandfather, Gerry. Also to Cathy and Janet. I know he will be missed very much. - Posted by: Tanya Cutting (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2021