May 16, 1925 – December 8, 2015
After a short stay at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Gerry passed away peacefully during the evening of December 8, the third anniversary of the funeral of his beloved wife, Fran. Dad was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Victoria BC, to Captain Ellice Martin Cavin and Mary Ellen O’Neill, the 4th of 6 children.
An alumnus of St. Louis College, 
after serving in Whitehorse for the RCAF from 1943 to the war’s end, Gerry worked briefly at the Hudson’s Bay Co. and thereafter at the BC Ministry of Highways from which he retired in January 1986 as the Manager of Insurance and Claims. In 1950, he met Fran (née Zareski) at the Catholic Youth Organization. They were married on September 8, 1951 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria. After staying close to a busy home raising the family, they enjoyed several extensive road trips throughout North America. They resided on Bank Street for 51 years until declining health prompted a move to Assisted Living and for Gerry shortly after, complex care at Mount St. Mary Hospital. Their Catholic faith being very dear to them, they were devoted parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church for over half a century.
Gerry is survived by sons, Joe, Martin and Greg (Irene); daughters, Margaret and Mary; sister, Mary de Verteuil; brother-in-law, Fred Griffin (who passed away 6 days after Gerry) and many nieces and nephews and their families throughout BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia. In addition to Fran and his parents, Gerry was predeceased by his brothers and their spouses, Pat (Marion), Bern (Isabelle) and Des (Belle) and by his sister, Marg Griffin on August 24 of this year.
The family is profoundly grateful to the dedicated staff and volunteers of St. Joseph’s House at Mount St. Mary Hospital for the exceptional care lavished on Dad for the past 4 years and to the staff of 8 North at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who kept Dad comfortable for the last week of his life. Thanks also to Veterans Affairs which provided valuable support and equipment that facilitated Dad’s accommodation and mobility.
Prayers will be offered at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain Street, on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 6:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the same location at 12:10 pm on Wednesday, January 6, with concelebrants Frs. Ian Stuart and Al Alilio, Pastor, followed by a reception at the adjoining Parish Hall and interment at Ross Bay Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct your generosity to St. Patrick’s Parish or Mount St. Mary Hospital.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Bill Turner
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SUSAN-ROSE AND BRAM Dear Greg, Irene, Joe, Martin, Mary and Margaret.
We were sad to see that your father died. He was such a lovely man whose company we enjoyed at Yellow Point. We know that it is always difficult to lose a parent and our warm thoughts are wish you during these difficult times. We’ve known all of you for so long that it kind of feels like we’ve lost a (somewhat distant) family member too. We can see in your Dad’s picture as a younger man how much his sons look like him. Grieve well during this part of the circle of life
With affection, Susan-Rose and Bram
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Rena O'Hara My condolences to the family.. I will always remember how Jerry prepared the Church for 1st Fridays.
Remembering you with thoughts and prayers in Sympathy. Rena O’Hara
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Alex and Marian Piercy We offer our condolences to all the family. We knew Gerry and Fran for over 60 years and had many good times together. Alex and Marian Piercy
Margaret so sorry to read of your dad’s passing. I will not be able to attend the service but wish to pass on our condolences to you and your siblings. Best Wishes Bill