GERALD ROBERT WALLACE

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GERALD ROBERT WALLACE July 5, 1920 - May 29, 2007 It is with great sadness that the family of Gerald Wallace announces his passing on May 29, 2007 after a brief struggle with cancer. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Doreen, son John and daughter Lori (Ed Boldt), grandchildren Carrie (Chris Clapham) and Christopher, and great-grandchildren, Paige, Cameron and Devon. Predeceased by his brother, Bruce, he is also survived by Bruce's family, Rosemarie and children, Bill (Cathy Veerkamp), Tricia (Miles Blank) and Alex, and their families. Born and raised in Winnipeg by parents who emigrated from Scotland, Gerry lived here all of his life. For over 50 years, he was a member of the Fort Garry/Keystone Masonic Lodge and Kildonan United Church, serving as an Elder for many years. He was also a member of the IEEE (Chair, Winnipeg section, 1972-73), and the Purchasing Management Association of Canada. Although Gerry was not one to speak about his wartime service, we are proud to share it here. From 1941 to 1946, Gerry served with the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division (F section) Signal Corp, and was attached to the 13th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. Beginning with the Normandy Invasion on D-Day, he fought with his regiment through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany to VE Day, May 8, 1945. He remained in Europe with the 3rd Canadian Division until the spring of 1946, and was among the last of the troops to return home from Europe. An engineer by inclination as well as training, Gerry could build or fix virtually anything. When his children were young and first heard the phrase jerry-rigged , they naturally assumed it referred to their dad's fix-it talents. Gerry's workshop was legendary and he was an expert with every tool in it, of which there were many. Never one to take it easy or let his high standards slip, he was busy at home until his admission to hospital six weeks ago. Projects that he recently completed included replacing the fence, building a garden shed (his rule: measure twice, cut once), and numerous other tasks for the many others who benefited from his expertise and generosity. Gerry began his professional career with Hal-Ross Engineering, where he worked with his dear friend and colleague, Harold Rasmussen, on projects such as the production of a hand-held scintillometer and assisting with radar maintenance on the Pine Tree Line. When Hal-Ross evolved into Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE), Gerry remained with the company until 1962. He then accepted an opportunity to work for the CBC, where he remained until his retirement in 1983. In retirement, Gerry continued to pursue his interest in electronics, and was an avid reader of advances in electronics in particular, and science in general. Gerry provided very comfortably for his family but the greatest luxury he gave us was the solid assurance that his family always came first. He was at his happiest surrounded by the three generations of his family. There are many fond memories of family camping trips and summers at the family cottage at Lake Katepwa with our Endicott clan: Joan and Jack, and sons Brian, Brad and Brent (Uncle Gerry's other three boys). He will be missed and affectionately remembered by his many friends, colleagues and neighbours. The family wishes to thank the staff of Seven Oaks General Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation (632-3552) or the University of Manitoba Libraries Endowment Fund (474-9195). In accordance with Gerry's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2007