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GERALD JOSEPH CADORATH
Born: Jan 16, 1926
Date of Passing: Apr 11, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGERALD JOSEPH CADORATH It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather Gerald Joseph Cadorath on April 11, 2015 at the age of 89. After a courageous battle with cancer, Gerry slipped away peacefully in his home in Cape Coral, Florida with his family by his side. Gerry was predeceased by his wife Blanche (nee Hebert), his father Jean, mother Aurora, sister Jeanine and his brother Mel. Gerry is survived by his wife Judy and children, Vicky (Steve), Bonnie (Ed), Blanche (Richard), Germaine, and Gerry (Mollie); and stepsons, Scot (Kim), Jeffrey (Barbara), Michael (Suzzette), Charles (Kyla). Also remaining to mourn his loss are 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Gerry was born on January 16, 1926 in Lauder, Manitoba. At a young age, his family moved to Winnipeg where he remained for most of the rest of his life. During the Second World War, at the young age of 17, Gerry joined the military, he served his two year term and shortly thereafter in 1946, married his wife of 49 years, Blanche (Hebert) Cadorath. For a few years, Gerry tried several career choices before deciding that he wanted to remain in the field of electro plating. In 1954, he opened his first "Cadorath Plating" shop in a small broken down building on Higgins Avenue. As it turned out, this was an extraordinarily good choice as over the years Cadorath Plating grew into a highly successful group of international corporations. Gerry is known for many things, one of which, that none of us will ever forget, is his boisterous contagious laughter. He could light up a room with that laugh! Gerry was never a man to be ruled by anything, so in 1973 with a fear of flying, Gerry learned to fly small aircraft. This became a great love for him. Gerry flew aerobatics for many years, both for enjoyment and in competitions. When Gerry, finally at the age of 84, retired from flying, he had become the oldest competition aerobatic pilot in Canada. Gerry also enjoyed many long distance trips in his beloved Bonanza. All this proving once again to his family and all who knew him, you can never hold a good man down! In 1985, Gerry and his wife Blanche began to winter in their home in Naples, Florida, at which time Gerry became more and more enamoured with a love for boating. Once his flying days were over, Gerry turned his attention to piloting his yacht. He ventured on several long distance cruises and in 2013, at the age of 87 years, Gerry set out with his new wife Judy to travel "The Great Loop" once again becoming the oldest person we know of to attempt this journey. Gerry was an inspiration to all those around him, most especially his children and grandchildren. Special thanks to Jason Richardson of Richardson Homes and his teams for their tireless efforts in getting Gerry into his dream home for his final days. Also, special thanks to Casey and Hope Hospice of Cape Coral for their compassion and care in bringing him comfort. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Hilton Winnipeg Airport, 1800 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg, MB, Wednesday, April 22 at 1:00 p.m. He did it HIS WAY!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Kids (and I use the term lightly) - I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. When my Dad passed away I called to let your parents know - and as awful as the day of the funeral was (cold and snowing and blowing) your Dad showed up! That was just the kind of guy he was. I remember way back when, as a teenager - all the time I spent with your family and was treated as family - whether it was in Westwood or out in Gimli! How lucky we were that our parents were friends and we happened to meet. I'm so pleased that your Dad had a long and enjoyable life - and I know how much he must be missed. My thoughts are with you! - Posted by: Chris MacTavish (Bob & Lee's daughter, and Bonnie's teenage friend) (Friend from the past.) on: May 21, 2015
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We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Cadorath family. Mr. Cadorath will be missed. - Posted by: Gina and Francisco Lindo () on: Apr 22, 2015
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Gerry and I met in 1977. He was looking for someone to rebuild the landing gear on his Comanche and service the airplane. I was in between employers so I took the project on and for about a month worked on his plane in his private hangar. When the work was done I told him I was going to apply at Air Canada. His response… "You're too young to retire" and "Why don't you open a service shop for yourself? I intimated that I didn't have a place to work and knew nothing about running a business. Again his response…”Good if you know nothing you'll have a blank slate and it will be easier for you to learn how!” He said “Give it a shot, when you have work put my airplane outside and use my hangar”. In Gerry’s world there was no such thing as a problem, just opportunities. This was the start of a successful thirty year business for myself and our friendship never really stopped growing from then on. The man was definitely my mentor. Gerry wasn't afraid of a tackling a thing, whether it be in business, his personal life or his love of flying. Some said he had the Midas touch and it sure showed in his accomplishments. Memories Gerry and I share...An Aerobatic competition in Gimli, Trips to Oshkosh, Fly-in fishing with the guys, A three day cruise to Useppa Island, Fishing in the Gulf, The two of us almost having a mid-air with Tom Linkletter, BBQ’s and his burnt burgers which I never let him forget about, Suppers at each other’s homes, the list goes on and on, we did it all! Talk about accomplished, when he was circa 75 he and friend Tom Goodhand got together and built an Ultra Light aircraft. They named it appropriately Tom and Gerry and even had a cartoon caricature of the famous duo on the side of the fuselage. It provided many hours of pure fun for the both of them. Gerry met his second wife Judy (Thomson) four years ago and fell head over heals for her. I can still remember the excited phone call from him when he broke the news to me. They had a whirlwind romance and I've never seen him happier. Together they built their dream home in Florida only to have a few precious days to share it. Gerry lived his life to the fullest and I am given to understand he closed his last flight plan with dignity and resolve. The measure of a person is in the positive memories they leave with us all. He will remain immortal in my mind for the rest of my time. I’m sorry that I never got to say goodbye. Goodbye my friend. - Posted by: Hartley Dueck (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2015
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We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Gina and Francisco Lindo () on: Apr 20, 2015
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What an incredible achievement Gerald has made within his lifetime. As often mentioned in services, "he lived his dash." That being the most important space in time between when born and when departed. Gerry & family, I share the loss or your Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and all relatives. He was a very accomplished man. - Posted by: Joy Buettner (Business acquaintance) on: Apr 18, 2015
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I remember one summer me and Grandpa flew from Winnipeg to the Okanogan. I did most of the flying. I have 60 hours in Cessna`s about 6 on gliders and about I think 10 hours on Ultralights. I do not know if Grandpa ever knew I love to fly. I hope one day to continue my flying and get a pilots and ultralight licences. The thing I think about the most is when Grandpa laughed. I loved his laugh and I will truly miss that.I used to brag that I was 55 y/o and my Grandpa was still alive. I will miss him greatly even though we lived so far apart all these years. RIP Love Gerry Sinclair - Posted by: Gerry Sinclair (My Grandpa) on: Apr 18, 2015
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20 years of friendship & good times. We won't forget his drive for living the good life and specially his generosity. We share your grief and will never forget him. Rene & Jill Gaudreault Quebec, Canada - Posted by: Rene & Jill Gaudreault (Friends) on: Apr 17, 2015
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There are few who could compare to Grandpa. I was and always will be proud of him. He will always be in my family's hearts and memories. We love you Grandpa. - Posted by: Dolores (Granddaughter) on: Apr 16, 2015
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I am and will always be so proud of my Grandpa. This beautifully written obituary is just a taste of who he was as a man. You were truly my hero and I will always hold your memory close. I love you so much Grandpa ! - Posted by: Bonnie-Lee (Granddaughter ) on: Apr 15, 2015
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We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. He was a very kind man. - Posted by: Neil & Tannys Jette (nephew) on: Apr 14, 2015