Dearly loved by his wife Lesley, adored by his daughters Pat (Greg), Colleen (Bruce), Beverley (Brad), and his grandchildren Bo (Meghan), Zack, Mariah (Joni), Shane, Brock (Chantal), and Brynn; predeceased by his parents René and Lucienne, and his first wife Mary.
Gérard lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed a very privileged upbringing in the outskirts of Paris, where his grandfather Antoine was his hero. Antoine introduced Gérard to pole vaulting, a passion that continued throughout his life. One of Gérard’s proudest moments was when he won the pole vault at French Junior National Championships. Antoine and Gérard also spent many happy hours fossil hunting in the quarries of Pontoise. Mountain-climbing was another passion, and Gérard’s ascents included Mt. McKinlay, the Matterhorn, Mt. Blanc, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens (before the eruption), and Mt. Baker. Mt. Shuksan always eluded him, primarily due to bad weather. His trips to Mt. Arrowsmith were legendary. Gérard’s father introduced him to the joys of Formula One car racing (the driver Louis Rosier was a family friend). And although Gérard was simply an enthusiastic spectator, anyone who has driven with him knows that Gérard liked speed.
At the end of his stint in Algeria during the war (part of his National Service), Gérard wanted to escape. He came to Victoria where his friend Henry was working and met Mary, his first wife. Although trained in hotel and restaurant management, Gérard found work in the Operating Room of the Victoria General Hospital, where he spent many happy years. He also continued to pole vault and competed in Masters competitions around the world. At the same time, he was the track coach at UVic in the 1970s, and a volunteer pole vault coach for the Victoria Track and Field club for almost fifty years. More than anything, Gérard wanted his athletes to love the sport.
Despite living in Victoria for most of his life, Gérard remained rigidly French: he always wanted bread at meals, wine was a staple, and kissing on greeting was de rigeur. His pride and joy were always his daughters.
Rest in peace Gérard. With the help of your beloved dog Kir, your grandfather Antoine will find you.
Many thanks to the staff in ICU at the Jubilee, with special thanks to Alison and the care she gave Gérard during his final hours.
A Funeral Service to honour Gérard, will be in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 2:00pm, with The Rev. Fr. John Domotor, officiating. Burial will follow next door at the Royal Oak Burial Park, after which friends are invited to return to the Sequoia Centre for refreshments.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
Dear Lesley,
Gerard was a gentleman and a friend. We feel his presence amidst us all the time and miss him dearly. Even Alan recognized him at Pepper’s the other day! Remembering fondly the many good times we had together.
With love from Erica and Frances