Gerald “Gerry” Bouchard
October 23, 1933 – December 31, 2021
After almost 10 months since Gerry passed, we will celebrate this wonderful man on Saturday, October 22nd, 2022. You are invited to join us for a celebration of Gerry’s life from 3-5 pm at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. At 3:30 pm there will be Words of Remembrance and all are welcome to contribute. That evening, in honour of Gerry and his love of skating and hockey, there will be a skate at the East Bayfield Community Centre, 80 Livingstone St E., Barrie from 8-9 pm. The wearing of hockey jerseys at the rink is encouraged and welcome.
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of illness, please refrain from attending.
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow, and gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the sudden passing of Gerry Bouchard, at age 88, after an extended stay at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario.
Gerry was born in Percé, Quebec to Ferdinand Bouchard and Violet Rooney (both deceased). He grew up on the beautiful Gaspé Peninsula with his beloved siblings Gervais Omer (deceased), Orville Michel (“Mike”), Cecilia, Owen, June and Lewis (“Louis”).
Gerry was a proud veteran and patriotic Canadian, having joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a young man in 1954, and serving his country for 33 years, until 1987. As a single man, Gerry was posted to various military bases, including Bagotville Quebec, Vancouver, Germany and North Bay Ontario. With his wife and children, his career took him to Goose Bay Labrador, North Bay, Bagotville, Borden Ontario and Downsview Ontario. Upon retiring from the military, Gerry and his family settled in Barrie, Ontario, and he enjoyed keeping busy with work at the Ammunition Depot in Borden and as a driver for Sears.
Gerry is survived by his beloved wife June (Moore), to whom he was devoted for 57 years. He was a wonderful father to his daughters Paula (Kevin Howe) and Sandy (Nick Bobrow), and a loving and supportive grandfather to Matthew, Devon and Noah.
Gerry was the ultimate hockey fan, having played hockey recreationally every chance he could get, and enthusiastically cheering on his beloved Montreal Canadiens. Gerry loved ice skating, a pastime which he continued to enjoy until he has 85 years old. He was known at the rink for “always skating like he was on a breakaway.” Gerry had a keen appreciation for a wide variety of music and was a self-taught guitar and harmonica player. He loved to entertain family and friends (and the occasional stranger) by “playing a tune” on his harmonica, always to the delight of his listeners. Gerry was also known for his winemaking, berry picking excursions, knowledge of history and current events, and gardening. In his later years, Gerry excelled at baking, having learned that skill from his talented wife June.
Gerry will be fondly remembered for his ready smile, positive attitude, kindness, good humour, infinite patience, love of family and “joie de vivre”.
Many thanks to the caring staff members on the Cardiac/Renal floor at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Hospital for their compassionate care of Gerry.
Donations in Gerry’s memory, if so desired, may be made to Barrie’s Royal Victoria Hospital or the Barrie branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Our hearts are full of love for Gerry Bouchard, truly a one-of-a-kind “good guy” who will be dearly missed.