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GERALD SEEKARAN SANKAR (GERRY)
Born: Jun 08, 1948
Date of Passing: Apr 23, 2022
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GERALD SEEKARAN SANKAR
June 8, 1948 - April 23, 2022
With broken hearts, the family of Gerry Sankar announce his passing on April 23 at his home in Florida, with family by his side.
Gerry leaves to mourn his wife, Cathy, of over 42 years; his children, Rodney (Christine), Saneeta (Claude), Melissa (Ed), Nakina (Luis), and Neirah (Peter); his loving grandchildren who were the light of his life; his siblings, Bess, Meena and Harold and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Siew and Batchie Sankar; his brothers, Cyril, Rawle and Rama and sister Jocelyn; sister-in-law Bhougie; nephews, Davenand, Andre and nieces, Indrani and Savi.
Gerry was born in Palmyra, Trinidad and immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada in 1967, which was home until relocating with Cathy to Florida to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren, Cruz and Naiyah (and to take advantage of the much warmer winters!).
Gerry had a long and successful career as an educator and President of the Teachers Association, spending most of his teaching years at Westdale Junior High and Linden Meadows. At time of retirement he was serving as President of the Pembina Trails Teachers Association. He took great pride in his work and all the young people he was able to mentor in his time as a teacher. His passion for public service and love of community also inspired his long-time involvement in local, provincial, and federal politics, and as a pillar within the Winnipeg's vibrant West Indian community.
Gerry's welcoming heart was his hallmark; his home always open, his help always freely given. Because Gerry was passionate about people.
More than anything, though, Gerry's greatest passion was for his family; as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Even as his illness robbed him of his body, the strength of his spirit continued to anchor his family and all those who loved him so dearly. He will always be remembered as the strength and foundation of his family.
Gerry's wishes were to not have a funeral. A private ceremony took place in Coral Springs, Florida. A celebration of Gerry's life for his family and friends in Winnipeg will be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, Gerry would simply ask you to reach out to someone you love and remind them of such.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2022
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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Meeting Mr. Sankar was something you don't forget @ Linden Meadows back in 9th Grade. I remember how the difference between favoritism and mentoring, to correctly interpret life, not only impacted me to be bold and take the road less traveled, is what he taught me. To all his family my greatest condolences, although this is very late, but in any case, truly a great person to lots of people who had the opportunity to know him. Thank you Mr. Gerry Sankar. - Posted by: Juan S Patino (Former student) on: Oct 09, 2023
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My dear Kathy, what a lifetime of stories you shared with this man. He was quite compassionate. His zest for learning and sharing was contagious. The two of you following your hearts, looking together in the same direction with joy and anticipation was a pleasure to witness. It is not an easy ending as I know you and the family walked a tough path in the months prior to his passing. My hope is the happy times and years of precious moments carry you all through this journey of loss as you each struggle and meet the challenge of this new path you find yourselves on. Hugs and tenderness my cherished friend. Theresa - Posted by: Theresa Turner (acquaintance) on: Nov 09, 2022
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Mr sankar was the one and only teacher who knew how to get work out of me … he was strict but a softy as well knew all our potential and was able to get us to work even if sometimes it wasn’t conventional we learned with him .! I’m where I’m at in life because of people like him ! ❤️ - Posted by: Teresa (Student at westdale ) on: Jun 11, 2022
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Gerry was a teacher to my children- now adults and then an honoured fellow teacher. He was a fabulous person and teacher. - Posted by: Shirley Manson (fellow teacher at Pembina Trails) on: Jun 10, 2022
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So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. He and Ron had many good times together. - Posted by: Rita stock (Friend) on: Jun 09, 2022
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Our condolences an sympathies to the family. Gerry was a very dear friend to us here in Winnipeg and while I was in Florida for the winter months. I will miss you my friend. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Vijay an Devika (Friend ) on: Jun 09, 2022
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Our condolences an sympathies to the family. Gerry was a very dear friend to us here in Winnipeg and while I was in Florida for the winter months. I will miss you my friend. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Vijay an Devika (Friend ) on: Jun 09, 2022
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Mr. Sankar was one of the best teachers I've ever had. I send my deepest condolences to his wife, daughters and their families. I hope they know how many kids life's that he touched and made them better humans for knowing him. Rip Mr Sankar!!! - Posted by: Chris Chaisson (Student ) on: Jun 08, 2022
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I am so sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. Sincere condolences to the Sankars and other family. Gerry was my English teacher at Westdale in the early 80’s, and I will never forget him. It was so nice to be in contact with him through social media in recent years and see him enjoying his life and family. RIP, Gerry. You will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Kyle Bouchard (Former student) on: Jun 08, 2022
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Mr. Sankar was one of those teachers that left a lasting impression on you. He was passionate about multiculturalism. In fact, about 10 years ago, I ran into him at a Folklarama Pavilion. He was a tour guide on one of the Folklarama tour buses. It was great to catch up with him. RIP Mr. Sankar. Thank you for everything. - Posted by: Greg R. (Former student) on: May 19, 2022
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Dear Cathy and family, We are very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing and we send you our heartfelt condolences. We have many fond memories of our time spent teaching with Gerry. He was a kind and thoughtful man and we know he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. - Posted by: Cristina Molinari & Stan Wiebe (Former colleagues) on: May 18, 2022
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It was a true pleasure to work with Gerry at Linden Meadows school. He was an astute colleague, deep thinker, loved by his students and a kind and gentle man. I recalled Gerry being very involved in our province’s political interests and climate. It was always informative and interesting to talk politics with Gerry. He often spoken if his love and respect for his wife Cathy. Gerry was a man of integrity. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss! - Posted by: Heather Campbell (Former Colleague ) on: May 13, 2022
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We cherished every moment that was spent with you. You were so much more to us than a Brother-In-Law. We love you. Jackie & Valerie - Posted by: Jaclyn Battagello (Sister-in-law) on: May 11, 2022
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We cherished every moment that was spent with you. You were so much more to us than a Brother-In-Law. We love you. Jackie & Valerie - Posted by: Jaclyn Battagello (Sister-in-law) on: May 11, 2022
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My deepest condolences to Nakina, Neirah, Cathy and the entire family. Such a loss. Gerry always made me feel so welcome and just like part of the family. Love to you all during this difficult time. - Posted by: Lindy (Family friend) on: May 11, 2022
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So sorry to hear of your loss Rodney, Kassiah & Ethan May beautiful memories from the past bring you some peace As long as he remains in your heart he will never truly be gone. You cannot see him but he will always be with you Love to you all - Posted by: Mike & Norma Wilkins (Aunt & Uncle to Kassiah & Ethan. You to Rodney) on: May 10, 2022
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Sorry to hear! A truly kind and gentle man. From Ray, Geri and Jenay Rubigny. - Posted by: Ray Rubigny (Friend) on: May 10, 2022
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Mr.Sankar was one of my teachers back in junior high school . He was a great man indeed. Many fond memories of his humor and his dedication to education throughout the years. Condolences to the family and all who were touched by his time here on earth. Rest peacefully 🥰🙏 - Posted by: Jane Carson (Former student ) on: May 10, 2022
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May your soul RIP. - Posted by: Suraj Ramlochan (Friend of the family) on: May 10, 2022