GERALD (GERRY) GURVEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GERALD (GERRY) GURVEY After a life well-lived, Gerald "Gerry" Gurvey died peacefully on December 23, 2017, in Toronto, Ontario. On March 4, 1923, Gerry was born to Raizel and Aaron Gurvitch on Alfred Avenue in Winnipeg's iconic North End. Gerry married his beloved Bunny Pinsk in June 1948. He was the extraordinarily proud father of Shelley, Melanie (Wayne) and Brenlee (Allen). Living on Ash Street in Winnipeg, he loved that his household was home to the "Gurvey Girls". His grandchildren: Kelsey (Matt) and Mac (Jess), Ilexa, Avery and Brady; and great- grandchildren, Sienna and Rory, gave Gerry the opportunity to enjoy being a Zaida and Great-Zaida. Gerry sparkled in the presence of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and granddogs: Abbey and Ten. Gerry was the youngest of four boys. He was predeceased by brothers, Morris, Harry and Syd; as well as sisters/brothers-in-law, Irene, Goldie and Issie, Sadie and Ben, Dora and Len and Anne. He will be remembered with love by his sisters/brothers-in-laws, Evelyn, Zol and Denny, Mona and Sam, and Harry. Gerry's many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews have fond memories of Uncle Gerry. During the Second World War, Gerry enlisted in the RCAF and proudly served his country. After the war, Gerry worked in the film industry (not as a movie star) as a film distributor. In 1955, Gerry launched his pivotal career. "Mr. Gurvey" and Uptown Pharmacy were synonymous as one and the same. The drug store at the corner of Academy and Ash became Gerry's focus for 25 years. Because he built a strong customer base, everywhere that Gerry went...he encountered his loyal customers. Gerry and Bunny travelled all over the world and enjoyed wintering in the South. Ten years ago, Gerry and Bunny moved to Toronto to be closer to most of their kids. Over the years Gerry enjoyed several hobbies: skating with Bunny at River Heights Community Centre, curling at the Granite Club, and tending his vegetables, fruit and flowers in uniform rows in his garden. He was a splendid dancer and he and Bunny amazed people with their stamina and grace on the dance floor. Gerry loved gadgets and innovation. He enjoyed tasting novel foods and venturing to new and favourite restaurants. Gerry will be remembered for his smile and his sense of humour. Most importantly, Gerry adored his wife, Bunny and his family. The family is grateful and appreciative for the exceptional care that Gerry received while he lived in Sunnybrook Veteran's Centre. Sincere thank you to Dr. David Shergold, Paulette, Stanly, Carolyn and Wes, and the stellar Team on K3E. Gerry's family will always remember Rhea and Mark, as well as Evita and Rayna, who provided devoted and loving care and companionship for Gerry. In Gerry's memory, the family would be honoured if you wish to donate to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Gerry and Bunny Gurvey Fund, phone: (204) 477-7520 jewishfoundation.org. For those who may have "borrowed" a chocolate bar or two from Gurvey's Drug Store and wish to remember Mr. Gurvey for his kindness, in his memory please pay it forward.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2017