GERALD OWEN HUDSON

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gerald Owen Hudson, born 12 Feb 1932, died 08 Oct 2019 at the age of 87.

Gerry was a tough old bugger to have quietly endured a few years of nasty health setbacks such as cancer of the eye, blocked carotid artery and colon cancer. He had undergone several major operations resulting in subsequent infections.  Through it all he never lost his sense of humour.  He met these setbacks with quiet resolve and acceptance. Even at the end being able to talk about dying and saying “I’m ok with that”!

As much as he disliked the formalities of these sorts of things, we would be remiss if we didn’t share the obligatory information we have come to expect:

Gerald (Gerry) Owen Hudson was born in Montreal to George Harry Hudson of Devon England and Evelyn Victoria Alice Foster of Stratford Ontario. He grew up in the Laurentians, Mille Isle Quebec. One of six children he leaves behind his brother Gordon (Joan) and several nieces and nephews.

Gerry is survived by his wife Elly (Kramer) Hudson whom he married 29 June 1957. Together they had two children, Bill (Linda) Hudson and Pat (Fred) Grouette, who in turn blessed them with five grandchildren; Brodie, Brittany, Sydney, Jacob & Zoe. Additionally, Brodie (& Tori) added two adorable great grandkids Ben & Maggie.  

Well now that that is out of the way we can share some of the more real aspects of Gerry’s life!

He honored his country with active Military Service at the rank of Craftsman in the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers.  

Gerry & Elly moved from Quebec to settle in the rural area of Spencerville Ontario where they raised their kids and enjoyed over 45 years there with lifelong friendships. Gerry was involved in the construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Project and most of his working years were spent in construction operating heavy equipment.

Gerry was also very proud to be a founding member of Branch 604 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Spencerville where he served on the executive, most years as Sargent at Arms and was a lifetime member.

His door was always open for visitors and he was quick to offer a nice cold Molson’s Export. Even 3 am visits from Bud and the boys, who would show up in the yard to make the dog sing, was not an annoyance to Gerry but an opportunity to sit with old friends, make new ones and have a beer.

About 20 years ago Gerry & Elly said goodbye to Spencerville and moved to the town of Pinawa, Manitoba where a new adventure began. Together they enjoyed many camping trips in their VW Westy affectionately named ‘Herman’… no need to state the obvious! In the later years as mobility and health issues evolved a core group of steadfast friends were there, ever willing, to assist in any way possible.  You know who you are and we salute you!  Words cannot express how grateful the family is for your years of support and true friendship. The Home Care Support Team and Nurses were also so very much loved and appreciated as well.

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Now anyone who knew Gerry loved his positive outlook and sense of humour. Bill reminded us that years back while at the legion after a wake someone had said “oh didn’t he look good” to which Gerry replied “No you arsehole he looked dead!  He’d look a whole lot better sitting here having a beer”!

And so it goes… Gerry didn’t want a wake or a funeral, he wouldn’t want anyone to be all wracked with emotion.  Instead we’re pretty sure Gerry would want you to think of him fondly when you crack open a nice cold beer on a hot summer day, tell stories and find joy in each moment.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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