November 9, 1943 - December 2, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Brother, uncle, friend, teacher, coach and for a short time, counsellor.
Gerald was born in Trail on November 9, 1943 and died in the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on December 2, 2023.
After graduating from UBC and a few years teaching, Gerald boarded a ship for Melbourne Australia. Along with his teaching assignments he spent countless hours coaching girls basketball, an activity about which he was passionate. He was adamant that all the girls participate in the game.
Following ten years in Melbourne, Gerald returned to BC, taught for a few years at Coquitlam College and then returned to teaching in the public school system where he coached basketball for a few more years. Gerald retired from teaching in Prince George.
Family was of paramount importance to Gerald. During the ten years he taught in Australia, he came home for Christmas every year. Christmas was Gerald's favourite season and the gathering of family cherished. He loved his nieces and nephews unconditionally, and took interest in their activities and great pride in their accomplishments.
In addition to Australia Gerald's travels took him to the Yukon, Alaska, Mexico, and across Canada by train to visit the Maritime provinces.
Piano lessons and playing clarinet in the school band comprised his active participation in music, but he enjoyed listening and the Hallelujah Chorus was his favourite choral work. Gerald was very well read; he was a student of both ancient history and events more recent. A loyal and caring man, Gerald, we will miss you.
Gerald is survived by his sister Bernice, his brother Lorne, niece Lurliene (Bob), niece Sandra and nephew Michael, his great niece Amy, great nephews Brennan, Nicholas and Adam.
The family thanks Dr. Charman and the medical personnel in the ICU at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for the compassionate care and support of Gerald and his family .