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GERALD (GERRY) FINGAS
Born: Apr 04, 1955
Date of Passing: Aug 21, 2023
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GERALD (GERRY) FINGAS
On August 21, 2023, Gerry passed away peacefully at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) surrounded by his family.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Cynthia (Betke), brothers, Wayne (Donna) and Ron (Sally), children, Nicole (James) Verhaeghe, Christopher (Megan) and Micheal (Sarah), his grandchildren, Logan, Gabriel, Hannah, Benjamin, and Amelia and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Elizabeth, his sister Betty-Ann Spencer and brothers-in-law, Richard Spencer, Garth Betke, and Alan O'Byrne.
Gerry was born in Russell, Manitoba and lived in Inglis until his family moved to St. Boniface into a house where he would spend much of his life. Growing up he enjoyed trips with his family including camping and to Expo 1967 in Montreal. He played many sports and was particularly passionate about Lacrosse and Soccer.
He married the love of his life, Cynthia, in 1975 and after several years living in Saskatchewan they returned to Winnipeg where Gerry started working as a bus driver at Winnipeg Transit where he remained until his retirement in 2009. Afterward, he drove school bus for First Student Canada.
Gerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was proud of his children and the last 20 years of his life were filled with him caring for all five of his grandchildren. Even during his last stay in the hospital, he was happiest and most at peace being visited by them.
Thank you to the staff at HSC JJ3-MICU unit and at CancerCare. And thank you to all of the friends and neighbours who were part of Gerry’s life. Our family is forever grateful to all of you.
Dad, we will always love you and you will always be in our hearts. We’ll see you again someday.
A funeral will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 Winakwa Road in Winnipeg, on Wednesday, August 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Donations can be made in Gerry’s honor to CancerCare Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2023
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My prayers are with you Cynthia and family. Gerry was a great man and he will be missed. - Posted by: Dianne Frost (friend) on: Aug 30, 2023
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So sad to hear that my friend, Betty Ann's, dear baby brother has passed away. My first memory of Gerry, "Jelly Roll" as he was then affectionately called, is of a cute, blond baby boy, propped on pillows on the living room floor and clutching his bottle. My condolences to Wayne, Ron and all the family. - Posted by: Janet (Robb) Evans (friend and former neighbour) on: Aug 28, 2023
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Micheal and family, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Cherish the memories and share your stories to celebrate your time with him. - Posted by: Shannon Plischke (Friend & Colleague) on: Aug 27, 2023
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Gerry was my little brother, however he definitely was the leader when it came to keeping family, kids and grandkids close. He always was pleased that he had everyone within a 30 minute car ride and they all used that proximity every week for family barbecues, swims or just watching sports. Gerry was extremely parochial when it game to sports.... Bombers and Jets were the only teams to cheer for. He had keen insight into both these teams and our debates were fun but pretty one sided. I was glad to be able to spend a lot of quality time with Gerry both in person and by FaceTime these past few weeks. He kept his sense of humor. One of my proudest moments came when an ICU nurse relayed to me how Gerry never complained, always was trying to smile and kept a positive attitude in the face of tremendous difficulties. His gentle personality continued to shine through. All of us are going to miss Gerry. - Posted by: Wayne Fingas (brother) on: Aug 27, 2023
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Gerry was a wonderful brother to me and I will miss him dearly. I always enjoyed our conversations where we would talk sports and other nonsense. Gerry was most proud of his family and really valued the close relationship and time he spent with children and grandchildren. He always said he was the luckiest of the brothers because his children lived close to him, and he got to see them so often. It is a comfort to me to know that Gerry had a strong faith and is with his Lord now, and that someday I will see him again. Ron - Posted by: Ronald Fingas (brother) on: Aug 26, 2023
