Life Story for Gerald Richard Irvine
“Constant as the stars above Always know that you are loved”.
Gerald Richard Irvine
February 4, 1940 – March 7, 2019
Gerry passed away peacefully on Thursday March 7 at the age of 79 years. Pre-deceased by his Father John and Mother “Toots”. Left to mourn is his beloved wife of 58 years, Donna, son Cameron (Angela), Daughters; Christine and Tanis, and Grandchildren; Sarah, Paige, Devon and Meghan.
Gerry was a lifelong resident of Coquitlam, growing up in a bustling household with four sisters and two brothers on Henderson Avenue. The third of seven children, he is also survived by his loving brothers and sisters Jacquie, Kenny (Bonnie), Dale (Donna), Darlene (John), Sheila (Ian), and Sharon (Denis).
After graduation from Como Lake High School in 1958, Gerry married Donna Brew in 1960 and established his young family in a 10 year career at the BA refinery in Port Moody, before completing a further 33 years of employment at Island Paper Mills (Annacis Island) in 2003.
A full time dad and loving husband, Gerry was a man of many skills and never idle. Part engineer, draftsman, fabricator and building contractor, he was the 'go to' guy for providing advice and an extra hand on builds from fences to plumbing and electrical to home additions. This love of staying busy also translated into charitable action at Camp Sasamat, where for the last decade he's been involved in yearly projects building canoe docks, accessible ramps, pathways and an archery centre.
When not working, Gerry loved to travel with family and friends to destinations ranging from Seattle to Skagway to Sydney. Never one to turn down a land or sea cruise, he loved the opportunity to share a glass of wine at dinner while hearing the latest stories conjured that day.
Gerry enjoyed music his whole life. Recorded or live, by young or old, fiddle or Stradivarius, he was always ready for a listen or a sing - song. A positive, sincere person, he found it important that an evenings success was measured on whether everyone was having a good time.
Proud of his Irvine heritage, he studiously worked on the family tree over three decades and spoke to local students at Irvine Elementary about his pioneer ancestors that came to Port Coquitlam as teachers and administrators. Affectionately called 'Mr Rogers' in his later years for his kind and gentle demeanor and ever present cardigan, he is already deeply missed.
The family is grateful to the staff of Nicola Lodge, Dufferin Care Centre, Dania Home and Eagle Ridge Hospital for the care received and many friends made within.
A memorial celebrating Gerald's life will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 2:00 PM at the Burquitlam Funeral Home, 625 North Road, Coquitlam BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson Society British Columbia #600 - 890 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C
Gerald Richard Irvine
February 4, 1940 – March 7, 2019
Gerry passed away peacefully on Thursday March 7 at the age of 79 years. Pre-deceased by his Father John and Mother “Toots”. Left to mourn is his beloved wife of 58 years, Donna, son Cameron (Angela), Daughters; Christine and Tanis, and Grandchildren; Sarah, Paige, Devon and Meghan.
Gerry was a lifelong resident of Coquitlam, growing up in a bustling household with four sisters and two brothers on Henderson Avenue. The third of seven children, he is also survived by his loving brothers and sisters Jacquie, Kenny (Bonnie), Dale (Donna), Darlene (John), Sheila (Ian), and Sharon (Denis).
After graduation from Como Lake High School in 1958, Gerry married Donna Brew in 1960 and established his young family in a 10 year career at the BA refinery in Port Moody, before completing a further 33 years of employment at Island Paper Mills (Annacis Island) in 2003.
A full time dad and loving husband, Gerry was a man of many skills and never idle. Part engineer, draftsman, fabricator and building contractor, he was the 'go to' guy for providing advice and an extra hand on builds from fences to plumbing and electrical to home additions. This love of staying busy also translated into charitable action at Camp Sasamat, where for the last decade he's been involved in yearly projects building canoe docks, accessible ramps, pathways and an archery centre.
When not working, Gerry loved to travel with family and friends to destinations ranging from Seattle to Skagway to Sydney. Never one to turn down a land or sea cruise, he loved the opportunity to share a glass of wine at dinner while hearing the latest stories conjured that day.
Gerry enjoyed music his whole life. Recorded or live, by young or old, fiddle or Stradivarius, he was always ready for a listen or a sing - song. A positive, sincere person, he found it important that an evenings success was measured on whether everyone was having a good time.
Proud of his Irvine heritage, he studiously worked on the family tree over three decades and spoke to local students at Irvine Elementary about his pioneer ancestors that came to Port Coquitlam as teachers and administrators. Affectionately called 'Mr Rogers' in his later years for his kind and gentle demeanor and ever present cardigan, he is already deeply missed.
The family is grateful to the staff of Nicola Lodge, Dufferin Care Centre, Dania Home and Eagle Ridge Hospital for the care received and many friends made within.
A memorial celebrating Gerald's life will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 2:00 PM at the Burquitlam Funeral Home, 625 North Road, Coquitlam BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson Society British Columbia #600 - 890 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C