GERALD MORLEY (RED) HENRY -

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GERALD MORLEY (RED) HENRY 1921 - 2005 Peacefully with family by his side, Dad passed away at Pembina House Personnel Care Home on May 11. Gerald was born at Ochre River, MB, on February 7, 1921, son of David and Nina Henry. Orphaned by the age of eight, he was lovingly adopted by many family members throughout his youth. Gerald worked for local ranches in the Shergrove area, and in Dauphin as a driver for Jordan's Transfer. He enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces, serving with the R.C.E., R.C.O.C. and R.C.E.M.E. Dad was stationed along the south coast of England until the invasion of France on June 6, 1944, landing on D Day morning with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. He served with the support company anti-tank platoon until the spring of 1945, when he was transferred to units responsible for the clean up of all destroyed weapons of war throughout Holland. Returning home in December 1946, he worked as a fireman on the CNR, then in 1951 joined Winnipeg Transit. In 1953, he married Verna Kathleen Marscella, the true love of his life. From 1963 to 1973, Gerald operated a daily business called Best Buy Drugs Delivery to more than 50 local drug stores. In 1980, heart surgery gave him many more years of health and happiness. On retirement in 1983, Gerald renovated, then moved to a childhood home in Lavenham. While there, he was Lay Minister for the Lavenham United Church, which his father and family had established. After its closing, he became a faithful member of the Bethel Church in MacGregor. In Winnipeg, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Evangel Chapel. Gerald was a member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Association, the Royal Canadian Legion St. Vital Branch No. 16, and a member of the No. 1505 Transit Union. Gerald centred his life on his home and family and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. His generous, warm, and friendly nature won him lifelong friendships. Gerald was predeceased by his five brothers, Clarence, Irvin, Hubert, Melville and Milton; two sisters, Neva Hampton and Bertha Sutherland; and his wife, Verna. He leaves to mourn his three daughters, Reena and husband Dave Normandale of Winnipeg, Dale and husband Phil Goertz of Regina, and Wendy and husband Jim Garson of Winnipeg; eight grandchildren, Jason and Robyn Normandale, Candace and Katie Goertz, Cheri, Haley, Julie and Grace Garson; and many more cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was an example to us all. Should friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2H8. Special thanks to the staff at Pembina Personal Care Home, Dr. R. Ramgoolam and Chaplain Rosalie Loeppky as well as Pastor Greg Janz of Evangel Chapel for their kind care and compassion over these last months. A family viewing will take place at Omega Funeral Home in Portage la Prairie at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 16 with the funeral at noon. Interment at Rossendale Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2005