February 9, 1938 – December 29, 2020

Gerald passed away at home with his wife by his side at the age of 82.  He will be forever loved and missed by his wife Louise of 57 years; daughters Maureen (Jeff), Cindy (Glen) in Burnaby, B.C. and son Michael (Leah), in Sooke, B.C.; grandchildren Dylan, Brayden, Megan, Oliver, Daniel and Angelina; brother Vernon in Langley, B.C. and relative and friends.

Born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Gerald moved to the township of Selkirk, Manitoba when he was twelve years old.  There he met Tommy Waterman and began a friendship that lasted 70 years.  With his friend he joined Sea Cadets and enjoyed many adventures travelling across Canada from Coast to Coast.

Gerry became a lifeguard at the Selkirk Pool where he would eventually meet the Love of his Life, Louise.  Later, Gerry went on to become a journeyman Electrician.

Gerry and Louise were married and started their life together.  Wanting a change, they set off to B.C. and landed in Kamloops.  He got a job with BC Hydro where they had their first child, Maureen.  They were then transferred to Vernon where he received a promotion and they moved to Vancouver Island.  They settled in Chemainus and eventually Ladysmith and had two more children.  As a family, they went on a lot of camping trips with friends, road trips to visit grandparents, fishing and BBQ’s.

Gerry was a man of many hats.  He had a love for community and volunteering his skills for the community.  He was past president of the Rotary Club of Chemainus in 1981 and past president of the Kiwanis club in Selkirk, Manitoba in the 90’s.  He worked for BC Hydro until he started his own company – BODNAR Electric.  Gerry loved his work and enjoyed all of his success until the recession of the late 80’s.

This prompted a move back to his roots of Manitoba where he would build his own house on Eveline Street near where he grew up as a kid.  Gerry was a hard worker to say the least.  He enjoyed the fruits of his labour even though it took him away from his family to faraway places like the (bar1) DEWLINE.  A small price to pay to provide for his family.  He joined the electrical Union IBEW/2085 and was the treasurer for 12 years.  Both Gerry and Louise attended Conventions in Hawaii, Florida, Vegas and Nova Scotia.  They enjoyed travelling to the South of France for their 50^th Anniversary to visit with relatives.

Gerry took part in many hobbies and sports.  He was a sharp shooter and had trophies to show for it.  He loved to hunt with his friends Tommy, Bunty, Reggie, Lefty, Bunny and Rick and others.  One would say, they were a sort of a Prairie Rat Pack.  Gerry loved his friends very much and enjoyed his time with them. 

One of his favourite events that he helped to put together was the Annual Thanksgiving Day hunt.  The lead up and preparation for the event was a joy for him to get to spend some much needed time with his friends doing what he loved.  Gerry not only shortened the lives of many a game bird but also helped with conservation efforts to protect the species habitat.  Like his love for hunting, he also took quite well to fishing on the wild west coast of B.C.  In the hay days of the 80’s, the salmon fishing was spectacular and Gerry was in his element.  He enjoyed spending long days out on his boat with his son trolling the depths for the “big one”.  Many a fish were caught and photos snapped to remember that day.

He was a hockey player, a curler, a hunter, a fisherman, a pilot, a marksman, a painter, a wine and beer maker, an outdoorsman, a prospector, a photographer, a poker player and a lover of music greats like Sinatra and Johnny Cash.

Gerry loved his family and left a lasting impression on them.  His son Michael has many fond memories of his Dad teaching him how to fish, how to hunt, how to be a man and use his hands to build a better life for himself.  His grandson, Dylan is becoming an electrician just like his grandpa.  Gerry was very proud that he followed in his footsteps.  Gerry loved all of his grandkids and always looked forward to spending precious time with them.  In his later life, because of his health, he took up painting, doing crossword puzzles and enjoying going for coffee with his friends, Tom and Rick. 

There are no words to describe how much he meant to us.  We will always carry his spirit and love within our hearts.  Not a day will go by where we won’t think of him.  He will always be remembered and loved by his family.  “He did it his way.”

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

Condolences may be left on Gerry’s tribute wall at:  www.interlakecremation.ca

Arrangements entrusted to:  Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services