It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Gerry McQuade at the age of 86 years. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Gerry was preceded in death by his wife Diane Jenkevice McQuade (2017). His mother and father Catherine McHugh McQuade and Michael McQuade of Montréal, Québec, and sister Ann Mary McQuade Mitchell of Nokesville, Virginia. Gerry is survived by his 3 children, Colleen (Ahmed), Jim (daughter-in-law Sam) and Kelly, and grandchildren Casey, Brody (Maxie), Megan, Miko (Cherysse), Gabo (Bunny) and Raya (Zack), and great-grandchildren Max, Cameron, and Isla. In addition to sisters-in-law Norma, Vivian and Huguette, and brother-in-law Alan. Nieces Catherine, Kim, Karen, Holly, Marianne, and nephews Michael, Nils, Hans, Erik. Cousins, Una, Della, Tom, Patrick, Jim, Michael, Olive and other family in Ireland and England. He was very proud of his Irish roots and enjoyed many trips over the years to reconnect with family.
Gerry grew up in Montréal’s Dufferin Square, Pine Avenue East, and NDG where he enjoyed many years of basketball and school clubs. He kept active throughout his entire life, with a huge passion for downhill skiing, workouts at the gym, running marathons, playing squash and much walking in later years. A graduate of both Loyola (Concordia) and McGill University, with a bachelor in math and physics and an electrical engineering degree, he early on achieved his goal of working at IBM, continuing to for almost 2 decades. Gerry eventually opened his own consulting business, Pythonic Management Corporation. He and wife Diane moved from Ontario to British Columbia in 1994, where they dreamed of retiring in North Saanich on Vancouver Island. Gerry’s love of Montréal’s Giovanni suits changed to a love of plaid shirts. Throughout his career and into quieter years, Gerry mentored over 50 people in career and financial planning. He held a seat on the Board of Directors for VIATEC, Canada Systems Group, Probus, and the Island Prostate Centre. Gerry was a long-time advocate of philanthropy work and encouraged others to commit to posthumous donations. A 27-year member in the Saanich Peninsula Toastmasters Club, Gerry was President for 5 of those years. He also taught public speaking classes at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria for four terms.
Gerry was an extremely generous person – with both his time and resources. He often travelled to watch his grandchildren’s sporting and dance competitions. He was an exceptional “Grandad” and had an intense pride in his family. He enjoyed the arrival of his 3 great-grandchildren and interactions with them by phone on “Gerry’s” line and in person. He was most happy when gathering to share a meal with family, hearing about everyone’s day.
A special thank you to Dr. Ryan Liebscher and other dedicated health care professionals for the excellent care provided to Gerry. Thanks for the warmth, kindness and respect shown by the teams at Island Health, VIHA, The BC Cancer Agency, Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Royal Jubilee Hospital, and Victoria General Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held to honour Gerry on Saturday, June 7, 2-4pm at Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive in Victoria, BC. This will also be livestreamed via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88271900147?pwd=cmiXiX0i9iKnUl6AaFLhCKHXXAuarm.1.
Kindly RSVP to GerryMcQuadeService@gmail.com by May 23 to confirm in person or virtual attendance. Feel free to send any written message via email that you would like to have included. A plaque will be added to Diane’s bench at Pat Bay to include Gerry.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “McQuade” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Nils Olsen
-
Michael Rudacille My family and I send prayers, hugs and lots of love to the McQuades and McHughes! We will miss Gerry! I especially loved going to Canada and spending 2 weeks with Gerry and his family every summer as a kid! Love Michael Rudacille and his family
-
Louise Villeneuve J’offre toutes mes condoléances á Colleen, Ahmed, Jim ,Kelly , Casey, Megan, Brody. Mes pensée vous accompagne dans cette épreuve.
Je sera virtuellement présente pour vous accompagner á ses funérailles. J’ aimais bien ce grand homme, calme , serviable, souriant, disponible lors de mes voyages á Victoria.
-
Clive Kingston Hi Colle
I was sad to hear that your Dad had passed away.We had a long and very
Good relation ship as neighbours and we maintained contact when they moved West.
I will remember him as good and constant friend.
Luv to All Clive Kingston.
Mark & Julia send thereRegards
-
Laurianne Jodouin I was so sad to hear of Gerry’s death, I learned of it at St Elizabeth’s today. I knew Gerry from Toastmasters. He was always warm, welcoming and positive. He encouraged me to run for President and was always willing to give private, side-bar comments to help me grow in that role. He was a kind soul and will be missed. My sincere condolences to the whole family.
-
Monte & Diane Wiederhold We are very sad to hear of Gerry’s passing.
We first met Gerry in the mid-sixties in Winnipeg as employees of IBM. We both subsequently moved in different directions several times, crossing paths briefly in Toronto.
We connected again in Victoria after many, many years, and became fast friends until his recent death.
Gerry was a wonderful person and respected by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by everyone, particularly his family.
We extend our sincerest condolences and best wishes to the family for the future!
-
Barbara Dunn I was very sad to hear of Gerry’s passing.
I worked for George Whitton one of Gerry’s closest friends and subsequently worked for Gerry in Toronto for many years before he and Diane moved to Saanich, B.C. We became great friends and kept in touch over the years. Gerry was a lovely, kind person.
My condolences to Colleen, Jim, Kelly and family.
-
Okenge Yuma Morisho My sincere condolences, Kelly and Brody.
Your Dad and Grandad lived a full and rewarding life.
He made a difference.
You and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
-
Irfane Fancey My deepest condolences to all.
He was a wonderful person and I was happy to have known him while he was a member of PROBUS and Toastmasters, and all the other encounters I had with him.
-
Gord Barlow Connie and I were very sad to hear of your Grandfather passing Brody. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting your grandfather we certainly knew that he was a very special loving grandfather to you and he will be very missed by you and your family. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
-
Hannah Gibson I was so sad to hear of Gerry’s death, he was a very good friend from the time of their arrival. There were lots of special events which were great fun. He will be sorely missed .My warmest wishes to the whole family.
I, unfortunately, won’t be able to come to the celebration of life, I will be at sea off Norway.
I have many great memories of Gerry. Growing up, Hans and I stayed with Gerry and Diane every summer for 3-4 weeks. I remember spending time with the McQuades (Jim, Colleen, Kelly) and many other family members. We learned to play hockey right in the street in front of their house (Colleen taught us :). Our mother, Norma, often joined us for part of the time and these are incredible memories. As I grew up, Gerry gave me more advice about the business world than I can remember – and this has helped shaped the way I approach my work today. Diane was also amazing on so many levels and I have fond memories of eating delicious meals, and engaging in lively conversations, at their home. We’ll miss both Gerry and Diane very much … lots of love from the Olsens.