Gerald K. Labossiere

July 21st, 1935 – June 26th, 2020 

Gerry passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre in Palliative Care the evening of June 26th, 2020. His brothers Norm and Bob were with him at the end.

He is survived by his brothers Normand (Doreen), Gordon (Claire), Robert (Judy), close friend Geraldine and her family (Derek, Jenny and Alexis) and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter Debbie, parents Philias and Violet, sister Mildred (Larry), brothers Wildred (Toni), Edmond (Patricia) and Richard (Lydia).

We wish to thank Riverview Medical Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, Concordia Hospital, WRHA Homecare and WRHA Palliative Care. Special thanks to Rhonda and staff at Cathedrale Manor Assisted Living who went above and beyond in caring for Gerry.

In Gerry’s memory, if you so choose, please make a donation to Riverview Medical Centre Foundation, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 2P4.

Gerry has been cremated and there will be a private family gathering later.

GERRY’S STORY

Gerry was born at St. Boniface Hospital on July 21st, 1935 to Philias and Violet Labossiere. He would be the fifth of 8 children, of which 7 were boys and one a girl. He passed away at age 84 but was still casually working until age 83. To quote him: “I am on cruising time now and taking it one day at a time”. He dealt with the illness with his usual positive attitude.

Gerry worked most of his life as a contractor, carpenter and all around handyman. He was always willing to lend a hand to a project and when asked to help out, literally took over and you ended up as helper. He reminisced about his work history and life for Judy, the family genealogist. He led an interesting life.

There is so much to share but here are some interesting points about Gerry. He left school around age 15, as did many in that period of time. His schooling was from the world of work.

When he was maybe age 5 or 6, he used to go to Whittier Park Horse Race Track, where dad walked and trained horses. Gerry would muck the horse stalls for pennies and get excited about the few coppers to contribute to the home kitty. He collected fresh green grass from the field and sold it to horse trainers for the horses. Anything to make money was the way it was then and physical labour was not avoided at any age.

He worked with dad in the coal business and delivered coal to homes and businesses, often going down narrow coal shutes to move coal around as it came down the shute. He unloaded coal from rail cars by hand, 40 tons on a shift, with a partner. He did this before age 15. At age 15, he went to work with Tryssens making arborite furniture and learning about carpentry. This was his start in the carpentry trade.

Gerry worked building homes for many years with Qualico Homes and also worked on projects on his own. He hired and coordinated contractors to work on home renovation projects funded by the City of Winnipeg.  He teamed up with cousin Remi for several years and travelled Western Canada and North West Ontario, installing aluminum siding, facia, soffits and eavestroughs. He was not home much in those days.

In these travels with Remi, Gerry is quoted as saying, “Remi liked the booze and I liked the women”. On many occasions, the local police chased them out of town, believing they were overcharging on jobs. This was not the case, but they moved fast.

Gerry and his buddies started a winter festival just before Festival du Voyageur was officially started, so he says. They ran it out of the St. Boniface Hotel and set up headquarters in one of the rooms. Filled the bathtub with beer, organized fiddling and jigging contests, had a parade and set the stage for the future festival. We cannot find any newspapers articles about this.

He bought a 1947 Desoto from our brother Ed for $50.00.  Then resold it to Paul (who will remain nameless) for $75.00.  Paul paid him $50.00 and never came up with the balance of $25.00. Gerry would like to collect with interest.

His pride and joy was his daughter Debbie who unfortunately passed away at age 40 in 2006. He spent a lot of time travelling to the Clear Lake area where she lived and worked on her property, giving of his time and money.

He loved to play the lottery and 3 years ago was one number out for a multi-million dollar prize. He spoke often of how close and how all in the family would have been financially rich. He loved to share.  We were rich already though with the love the family had for one another.

He loved his 1985 red Chevy truck that he kept running for 25 years. He did body work and painted it to keep it spotless in later years.  He had a beautiful 1969 Chevy Malibu 396 convertible.  Unfortunately, it got damaged being stored in a wet garage and he sold it instead of restoring it himself.

Gerry collected enough hand and power tools over the years to compete with Rona and Home Depot. He loved going to auctions and bought boxes of items that were “surprise boxes”. We passed around tools to everyone in the family and still had lots left over. The surplus is going to the thrift store.

The last 12 years of working were spent caretaking an empty home for an owner who lived in an apartment. She kept the house as a family memory and Gerry maintained the property summer and winter. Gerry said, “I do not have to go to the gym to exercise plus I get paid”. He was able to store his many tools, ladders and lumber there as well. He showed us the pet cemetery in the yard where the owner had asked him to bury her 3 cats over the years.

Gerry was a regular at McDonalds on Marion Street, sometimes three times a day. Each time he went to the restaurant, there were different people to sit with, many he had known over the years of living in St. Boniface. He called McDonalds “his office” and he met and chatted with the people, read the paper and had coffee.  He loved to collect the coupons for a free cup of coffee.

Gerry moved from Provencher Blvd to Goulet Street to be closer to McDonalds, Shoppers and his doctor. He was driving himself and even as his illness interfered with his mobility, he would use his cane and then walker until he could not manage on his own any longer. He was stubborn. It was difficult for him to lose his independence and then rely on rides from his brothers.

Gerry loved spaghetti and meat sauce, especially the one from Santa Lucia. Brother Norm would often take us there for lunch after Gerry’s doctor appointments. It was a highlight for him.

His last move was to Cathedrale Manor Assisted Living as it was getting difficult for him to do daily chores. He settled in very well and called the place “a 5 Star Hotel”. He loved living there, loved the staff and they loved him. He really missed it when he could no longer manage there.

There are many stories we have not touched upon but there may be someone out there reading this who may remember Gerry and their experiences with him.  Please feel free to share.

Rest in Peace, Gerry.  You were much loved!