GERARD HENRY -

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GERARD HENRY 1926 - 2005 Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend. Passed away peacefully after a short and unexpected illness, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Beryl; his seven children, Susan (Garth), Marie (Ian), Richard (Sandra), Lynn (Chuck), Geraldine, Paul, Andrew (Lorraine), honorary son Aidan Foley. His 17 grandchildren, Tara (Scott), Jasmine (Dwayne), Josh, Cassie, Katie, Sean (Katie), Shannon, Stephanie, Simon, Amanda (Dean), Andrew, Nicholas, Patrick, Ciara, Keilan and her dad Barry, Emily, Sarah and Jared (Grandpa's honorary grandson); and two great-grandsons, Kadyn and Fynn. His brother Jack (Thelma), his sister Eileen (Pat), his sister in Belfast May and his brother-in-law Danny Duffy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law John (Francis), sister-in-law Jean (Ken) and many nieces and nephews in Canada, Ireland and England. He will be missed by his very special friend Phyllis McCabe and family. Gerry came to Canada in April 1957. He was employed at Standard Aero Engines for 21 years. In 1976 he started his own business, Universal Aero Engines where he worked even after his so called retirement with his business partner and good friend Richard McGuirk, until the day before he became ill. His family was his life; everything he did and became part of was for his family. He resided in Fort Rouge for many years where he took on a large role at the Earl Grey Community Centre. He spent many years coaching his son's hockey and soccer teams. Always encouraging every child he was involved with to do the best they could. He was special to many of the Fort Rouge children, and continued to share the good times with them through the years. These were special years to him and he made many good friends. He treasured all these moments and all of the special memories that he had from these years. In 1973 he fulfilled one of his dreams, and that was to provide his family with a brand new home. He moved them to St. Norbert where once again he became involved with the community. Gerry was involved with the Irish Association of Manitoba, where he again formed many special relationships and made some very good friends. He was an Irishman from the top of his head to the tips of his toes, and he loved the Irish club, and all the good times that came with it. You were a very special man in so many ways. We could not have asked for a better husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend. Always there for us no matter what we had done or what we needed. We knew we could always depend on you for your sensible and solid advice any time we needed it. Dad, you were our rock, and we will always keep in our hearts the many things you have taught us in life, mainly to love unconditionally, and to always be able to laugh at ourselves. You never judged us no matter what crazy things we got ourselves into, and having seven children there were many of those. We are so thankful to have had you for as long as we did. Your 17 grandchildren loved you more than life itself. You formed a special bond with each and every one of them. You have had a very large effect on the people they have become today; we thank you for that too. You have left a very strong legacy behind, one that you can be extremely proud of always. We love you, and we will miss you, but we also know that you have gone to a special place to be welcomed by so many people who also love you and will take care of you. You were true to your faith always, relied on God to guide you through life, and we know he has embraced you with open arms. Until we meet again someday, we know you will be watching over us and that brings us great comfort. The funeral is to be held Friday, August 5, 1:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church at the corner of Stafford and Corydon with burial to follow at Green Acres Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Irish Association of Manitoba, 654 Erin St. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity that was closest to his heart. The Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate C.P., 128 St. Boniface, Winnipeg, MB R2H 3B4.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2005