April 20, 1941 - December 9, 2020
April 20, 1941 - December 9, 2020
Gerry passed away following an accident earlier in the fall. He is survived by Thelma, his wife of 56 years, and their children: Kevan, Ruth McCuaig (Jim), Rob (Katharine) and Greg (Kristie) as well as 13 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A long time resident of Castlegar, Gerry taught at Selkirk College for many years and was instrumental in bringing new programs to the region. He was the developer of the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program as well as a pioneer in developing Distance Education for Selkirk College. This work reflects Gerry's lifelong love of learning and his unbounded curiosity. He was always willing to share knowledge and exchange ideas.
Gerry was an active volunteer in the community in many areas, with a focus on human services and building social supports. His final service was a 17 year stint as a volunteer with Red Cross.
Gerry was equally passionate about his pastimes, which included a love of the outdoors, travel, reading, and his beloved garden and grapes. Able to grow almost anything, Gerry is perhaps the only person in the region to have grown his own figs, pineapples, olives, and cherimoya.
Gerry loved travelling, the most adventuresome being when he and Thelma volunteered at an archaeological dig in Belize. Together they rode a felucca down the Nile and explored the jungles of Gabon. Gerry was always eager to experience new horizons.
Gerry will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and many former students.
The family would like to thank the ICU teams in Kelowna and Trail, as well as the staff of Third Floor East in Trail for the extraordinary care that they provided. We would also like to thank the staff of JoeAnna's House in Kelowna for providing accommodations to the family while Gerry was in hospital there.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to JoeAnna's House (https://joeannashouse.com) or the CNIB.