Gerry was a husband, father, grandfather, favourite uncle and true friend to many, He was an ordinary man who lived his life in an extraordinary way. He touched many, many lives. He joined the Airborne regiment at 17 to the chagrin of his parents and rose in the ranks to Warrant Officer. He served as a peacekeeper throughout the world. A parachute accident ended his jumping days.

Gerry then became an accomplished chef, and in the 1980's prepared memorable dinners for, amongst other luminaries, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Queen. Following his military service his pursuit of the culinary arts continued and for many years he was an active member of the Calgary Academy of Chefs and the Canadian Federation of Chefs de Cuisine. He then was an adjudicator with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission. His several careers were each accomplished with passion.

Gerry was a vibrant and fun loving guy, who adored his family, and he considered friends family.