GERALD JAMES AUSTEN

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GERALD JAMES AUSTEN Gerald James Austen departed this life peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Pine Falls Health Centre. He is survived by his sister Jane, and many cousins both of his and his wife Eileen. Gerald was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eileen (nee Ateah), his parents James and Irene, and brothers Graham and Robert. Gerald was born December 3, 1942 in the village of North Halling, Kent, England, first born son of James and Irene. Being born during the war, and living in Southeast England he spent many nights of his first years of life in the bomb shelter in the garden. Also, Gerald didn't meet his father until his was over two years old, as James was overseas in the army. Thankfully all survived, and brothers Graham and Robert joined the family. During the 1950s the Austens made two trips to Canada with an eye to immigrating. Daughter Jane was born in Thunder Bay in 1957. However the family moved back to England in 1960. Canada had made a very deep impression on Gerald and his brothers, and by the end of the 1960s, having finished their educations, all three brothers returned to Canada permanently, settling in Winnipeg, soon to be joined by their parents and Jane. Gerald had been in Winnipeg for three days in 1968 when he gained employment in the display department of the Hudson's Bay Company. He moved into the Interior Design department and stayed there until he started his own business, Gerald Austen Interior Design in 1975. Gerald ran the business until his death. He loved his work and through it met many people both as clients and associates who became close friends. Gerald was a member of The Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba from 1975, and attained Emeritus Member status in 2011. Gerald was a man of faith and a lifelong Anglican. In Winnipeg he and Eileen were parishioners for many years at St. John's Cathedral and later, St. Georges Crescentwood. Also always members of the Anglican communion at St. Michael's Church Victoria Beach, where they were married in 1970. Many strong and longtime friendships came through the church. Gerald and Eileen retired to their much loved Victoria Beach in 2001, when Gerald semi-retired. Listening to Classical music, especially Mozart and Haydn, was a daily occurrence in Gerald's life. He and Eileen enjoyed travelling, especially to the UK to visit with Gerald's much loved aunts and uncles. Gerald was involved with the Manitoba Branch of The Arthritis Society, where he served on the board for many years. Gerald was always ready and willing to help anyone in any way he could. A warm and loving welcome awaited all who visited Gerald's home, where the kettle usually was put on for tea, or the sherry glasses appeared. The consummate gentleman, Gerald is going to be greatly missed. In the late 1990s Gerald was diagnosed with Lymphoma, from which he thankfully recovered. However, in 2011 he had a reoccurrence, which again responded well through therapy and enabled Gerald to enjoy good health for the last five years. Sadly, mid-April of this year, Gerald became ill again. A huge thank you is given to the staff of Pine Falls Health Centre and Ward GH4 of Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, for the wonderful care given to Gerald. Also the gentle and steadfast care given by dear friends Marlene and Vic Jensen, Laura Flewin-Hilton, Sheila Ruban and Tirza Ateah, and many others who have visited and cared for Gerald so well over the last difficult weeks. A very heartfelt thank you to Rev. Judith Whitmore, for her ministry and friendship. A service of thanksgiving for the life of Gerald will be celebrated Monday, July 25 at 11:30 a.m, at St Michael's Church, Victoria Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Anglican Parish of St. Michael, Victoria Beach; The Arthritis Society, or to a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2016