GERHARD (GERRY) HELLMUT LABIES -

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GERHARD (GERRY) HELLMUT LABIES 1927 - 2004 On Wednesday, October 6, 2004, after a courageous battle with cancer, Gerry died peacefully at Riverview Health Centre. Gerry was born in Friedeberg, Germany on January 26, 1927. In 1953 he arrived in Manitoba, where he became a teacher in Fort Garry, teaching primarily history at Vincent Massey Collegiate until his retirement in 1990. He studied at Marburg University, United College and the University of Manitoba, and later spent two years as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, where his outstanding academic record earned him a Thomas F. Wallace Fellowship. For many years Gerry was active in the Fort Garry Division Association of the Manitoba Teachers Society. As chairman of negotiations he was involved in the shaping of collective agreements covering a total of nine years. In recognition of this service he was made a Life Member of the Fort Garry Division Association. Gerry was an enthusiastic tennis player and also devoted much energy to the development of officiating in the sport. An early highlight of his work as an official was his appointment to the position of Referee of the 1973 Canadian National Championships. More recently he was responsible for the training and supervision of a large group of umpires needed for the 1999 Pan Am Games. For this work he was given a Tennis Canada Distinguished Service Award. Gerry was always glad to have chosen Manitoba as his second home. Here he married his bride Traudel Kollenberg, who had followed him to Winnipeg in August 1954. The two were blessed with the birth of their daughter Helen in 1959. Gerry will be greatly missed by his wife, daughter Helen, granddaughter Victoria, son-in-law Hubertus Volz, two surviving sisters and other relatives in Germany and Canada, and many friends, among them many former colleagues, tennis and bridge partners. Through his deep love of life and his keen interest in learning, teaching and coaching, Gerry has touched many lives. The family wishes to thank Dr. Czaykowski at CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Hartley at Charleswood Medical Clinic and their wonderful assistants, the visiting nurses from WRHA and Dr. Garcia and staff at Riverview Health Centres Palliative Care Unit for the care and compassion extended to Gerry. A celebration of Gerrys life will be held at the Wildewood Club, 761 North Dr., on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Childrens Hospital Foundation, CE 501-840 Sherbrook St., R3A 1S1 or CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., R3E 0V9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2004