It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Grampa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Dad passed away peacefully on 25th of August at the East Kootenay Hospital at the age of 79.

 

He was born on January 29, 1939 on the family farm in Ardmore, Alberta. In 1956 he attended SAIT in Calgary and received his Commercial Radio Operator License. In 1957 he was hired on with the DOT in Edmonton.

 

Gerry moved to Lethbridge in 1960 and worked for the Department of Transport at the Lethbridge Airport, and this is where he met his love Anne, they were married in 1961 and had their daughter Tracy a year later. His job took him to many places around Alberta, the Yukon and BC. They settled in Cranbrook in 1975, and he retired in Cranbrook 1992 with Department of Communications.

 

Gerry had many passions in life, from playing ball, refereeing hockey at the junior and senior level, flying his model airplanes, riding his favorite horse Holly, being part of the Backcountry Horsemans Association, Cranbrook Rotary, EK Amateur Radio Group, Cranbrook Curling Club and especially golfing with his buddies.

 

He will leave behind his daughter Tracy and Art Salanski, grandson Aaron and Alecia, and granddaughter Kendall, his brother Keith and Rita Jorgenson of Edmonton, and many nieces and nephews. Dad had a tremendous group of amazing friends throughout the community, and we are so very grateful for all your support. A very special thank you to the neighbors in Northwood Estates for all that you have done.

 

Dad was predeceased by his wife Anne, parents Chris and Gladys Jorgenson and sister Signa Williamson.

 

We would also like to express our sincerest appreciation to Dr. Ilona Amstutz, Dr. Lori Wik, Dr. Kevin McIver, Dr. Ashlee King and the many nurses, especially Alex at the EKRH for their care and compassion.

There will be a celebration of life at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Donations can be made to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, c/o 13-24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, BC, V1Z 3H9.

 

(Source: Richard Reeves)