GERARD "GERRY" JOSEPH DONALD DORGE

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GERARD "GERRY" JOSEPH DONALD DORGE November 27, 1962- August 31, 2004 "Every dark cloud has a silver lining." Surrounded by his loving family, Gerrys soul was set free to soar with the Angels to be reunited with his Dad. Deeply loved and always to be remembered by his loving wife Jacqueline ("Jacquie," nee Bohemier) and his No. 1 son Stephane. Gerrys memory will be forever cherished by his mother Ida (nee Cournoyer) his eight siblings and their families: Joe (Emilie Catellier), Paulette Gaudry (Jean), Aline Boulet (Albert), Leanne, Johanne Desmarais (Gerry), Jean-Guy, Michel (Bruce Jardine) and Lyse Meunier (Paul). His legacy will also live on in his nieces and nephews: Patrick, Natalie, Roxanne, Carole and Richard Dorge; Danielle (Jordan Newman), Michelle, Ginette and Lisa Gaudry; Nicole, Melanie, Julie and David Boulet; Chantal and Sylvie Desmarais. His memory will be treasured by the Bohemier family: mother-in-law Claire (nee Champagne), Larry (Huguette Dube), Colette (Maurice Zastre) and their children, Daniel and Andree Bohemier and Michael Zastre. He will also be missed by many relatives, friends, co-workers, business associates and his faithful canine "Cinder." He was predeceased by his dad Telesphore "Ted" (August 1978) his grandparents Edphat and Egidia Dorge (nee Campeau), Eugene and Antoinette Cournoyer (nee Manaigre) and his father-in-law Chuck Bohemier (July 2002). Gerry was the youngest boy of nine children. His love for open spaces and nature began early in life, living in Ste. Agathe. He adapted well, leaving the farm for the city life in Windsor Park. He made many good friends while attending Ecole Lacerte, Ecole Guyot and College de St. Boniface. At the 1981 graduation after-party at Albert Beach, Gerry found his true love in Jacquie. They were married on May 12, 1984. Gerry was overjoyed to become a father in 1985. The love for his young son fuelled his first fight with cancer in 1987 to 1988. He survived, despite the odds, to see his son grow up and graduate. He was the BEST Dad. He held various jobs, discovering he was a natural in sales. His career started at Coast Wholesale Appliances, later at Midland Appliance World (yes, hes the handsome salesman in the commercial)! He was the recipient of many "Supplier Sales Achievement Awards" via the M.H.B.A. His honesty and integrity made him well liked and respected in the building industry. But Gerrys proudest accomplishment was when his entrepreneurial spirit guided him to start his own business, "Getting Wired Closet Company." He so enjoyed his work and meeting people - a dream fulfilled! Gerry loved playing hockey, baseball ("Yeah, Whatever!"), floor hockey, watersports, and supported his Bombers. He was an awesome and competitive athlete. His love of the outdoors was as great: sunsets at Otter Falls, the loons at Rushing River, August long with the family at Lee River - always providing us with the best campfire "flamage" youve ever seen! Gerry was the epitome of the strong, silent type. He was a thoughtful observer who listened. When he did "share," it was the real deal and often with very sound advice. He was very dependable, kind and always willing to lend a helping hand. But those "big blues" couldnt hide the inner mischief. Many a prank, or surprise were care of the "Master." The smile on his face said it all - it was better to give than to receive! Gerry battled the recurrence of his disease with admirable fortitude. His suffering was lengthy, immense and without complaint. He was the Ultimate Warrior and an inspiration to us all. We are extremely grateful to the many friends, acquaintances, even strangers who prayed for Gerry and his family and provided numerous acts of kindness and support over the years. Equally grateful to all of the doctors, surgeons (Dr. L. Klotz and Dr. Miller at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto), nurses, radiotherapy technicians, pharmacists and hospital staff of St. Boniface CancerCare and Riverview who were involved in Gerrys determined battle. Special thanks to Dr. Ralph Wong and nurse Kathy, nurse Bonnie and staff of 5B, Dr. Cooke and staff, Dr. Paul Daeninck and nurse Tracy, Dr. Josh Shadd, Dr. Leah MacDonald, Bunty Anderson, the staff of the Palliative Care Home Program: Sandy and Sarah; nurses Marie and Carrie, and the "Angels" on the 8th floor Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7 at the St. Boniface Cathedral. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the church hall. A private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations made to the Palliative Care Endowment Fund, in care of St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, or CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2V 0B3, would be appreciated. "Bonsoir, bonne nuit, mes beaux yeux bleus." The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.obitbulkloaduariestoday.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2004