Gerald ANDERSON

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ANDERSON: Gerald Linton Anderson of Brandon, MB. passed away suddenly at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at the age of 79. Gerry was born in Deloraine, MB. on August 14, 1935 and was raised in Melita, MB. on the family farm. Gerry attended Browns School where he drove the teacher to school in the wagon pulled by his horse Wee Tony. He later attended Melita School where he graduated as valedictorian. He was the oldest of three sons born to Marjorie and G. Russell Anderson. After school, Gerry began working off the farm at Beaver Hardware and later at the Beaver Lumber Co. Ltd. in Melita. It was during that time that Gerry met the woman who turned out to be the love of his life, Margaret Elsie Critchlow. Marg and Gerry were married on September 1, 1955 in Melita. It was during their time in Melita that their first son Richard was born in 1956. Soon after they moved with Beaver Lumber as manager to Elm Creek, MB. in 1959. In 1960, Douglas added to the growing family. Their years in Elm Creek created many friendships that last to this day. From there they transferred with Beaver Lumber to Teulon, MB. in 1964 and in 1966 they welcomed their youngest son Gregory to complete the family. The transfers continued to Manitouwadge, ON. making friends and memories along the way. The call of returning to Manitoba brought the family to Carberry where Gerry and Marg bought the Ireland Block and established Chimo Building Centre in 1973. Many friends, experiences and adventures were made during their time in Carberry. In 1983 Gerry and Marg sold Chimo Building Centre and he embarked into a new career as an insurance advisor, moving to Brandon in 1985 where he continued his new career with Monarch Life, which changed to North American Life and then to Manufactures Life where he eventually retired from in 2012. In the early years Gerry had been a part of the Browns Baseball team in Melita. He was honored to be a part of that team as they were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. Throughout Gerry’s life he and Marg enjoyed many years with the family and friends at their cabin at Clear Lake. He spent many a weekend at the curling rink in bonspiels and he was active in many service groups such as Lions and Kinsmen, always making friends and touching people’s lives. For the past 27 years square dancing has been a major part of Gerry and Marg’s lives. The friends they have made in the square dance community have become more than friends…they have become family. Finally, it is family that was Gerry’s greatest love. Dad and Mom were there for every event that we were a part of, and carried that on to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were without question the sparkle in his eyes and the fire in his heart. Gerry was predeceased by his parents Marjorie and G. Russell Anderson. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Margaret Anderson; three sons: Richard (Eileen), Douglas (Tracey), Gregory (Cynthia); six grandchildren: Patricia (Greg), Daryl, Trent (Daphne), Chad, Paige, and Camryn. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Caden, Aiden, and Ryker; two brothers: Robert (Sharon) and James (Marjorie). He was also predeceased by, and is survived by, numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will take place from Central United Church, 327-8th Street, Brandon, MB. on Saturday (today), June 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Melita Cemetery, Melita, MB. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gerry may be given to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street East, Brandon, MB. R7A 2W8 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 824-18th Street, Unit 3, Brandon, MB. R7A 5B7. Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home – Melita, MB. (204-522-3361) Neil Redpath & Kurt Ardron. To send condolences to the family, please visit: www.redpathfuneralhome.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 20, 2015