GERMAIN (GERRY) VICTOR DEMEYER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GERMAIN (GERRY) VICTOR DEMEYER Peacefully, on October 28, 2003, Gerry passed away at the Riverview Health Centre, surrounded by his loving family. Gerry will be sadly missed by Mary Godelieve, his wife of 60 years; his children, Marjorie Schade (Ken), Carolyn Staudzs (Andy), Charlie DeMeyer (Janet), Sharon James (Fred), Patricia Simpson (Monty) grandchildren, Brent (Lisa), Leanne (Rick), Sandra (Ron), Karla (Stan), Paul, Tammy (Rob), Brad, Lisa, Andrew, Ross, Laura, Eric, and Ashton and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Agnes, Susan and Lucresse, and his three sisters-in-law, Germaine, Margaret and Irene. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Maria; his brothers, Lucien, Nestor, Gilbert and Albert; his sister Angela; his brothers-in-law, Wilbur Van Walleghem, Charles DeMeyer, George Knockaert, George Deneweth and his sister-in-law Angela DeMeyer. Gerry was born on March 11, 1913, in Borsbeke, East Flanders, Belgium. In 1921, his family immigrated to Canada and settled in Fort Whyte, MB, where they established a large dairy farm, the Red Rose Dairy. Along with his Mom and Dad and his brothers, Gerry worked on the farm for several years, where his job included delivering milk by horse and wagon throughout the Wolseley area. He met his future wife Mary in Fort Whyte, and they were married in 1943. Gerry and Mary then took over the farm, where they worked and raised a family for the next 22 years. In 1965 they sold the farm and moved to Fort Richmond, where they intended to retire. However, Gerry soon got restless and took a job with the City of Winnipeg, Operations Department, where he worked for 12 more years until he retired again in 1978. After working hard on the farm seven days a week, 15 hours a day, Gerry always maintained that working for the City was like being on vacation. During his long retirement, Gerry and Mary travelled extensively throughout Europe, Canada and the United States. As "snow birds" they spent 25 winters at various southern locations and at each place they made many friends and left lasting memories for those they met. They also made three long trips to New Zealand to visit their son Charlie. The past year was particularly rewarding, Dad celebrated his 90th birthday as well as his and Moms 60th wedding anniversary and took their children and spouses on a Carribean cruise, as well as on a tropical winter holiday. Dad was a very caring person who dearly loved his family and family gatherings. He enjoyed playing cards immensely, with his friends, sons-in-law, or at the Belgian Club, which he attended regularly and without fail. He was a real pro at Belgian bowling, and won competitions and prizes right until his last years. He was a faithful Toronto Blue Jays fan, and couldnt wait for baseball season to start. Dad, you left us with precious memories. In our hearts you will always be loved and remembered. Well miss you. The Family would like to thank Dr. Hayward and the staff at Riverview Health Centre for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria General Hospital, 2340 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2E8 or a charity of choice. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Dr., with Rev. Fr. Roland Prescott presiding. Urn Placement will be held in Green Acres Memorial Gardens. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematorium Hwy. No. 1 E. at Navin, 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2003