GERALD EDGAR BONIN

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GERALD EDGAR BONIN After a brief illness, Gerald Edgar Bonin died peacefully surrounded by his family. His parents Berthe and James Bonin, his brother Pat Bonin, and his beloved four-year-old daughter Colleen Marie predeceased Gerry. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, the love of his life, Christiane Bonin (nee Masserey). He will be greatly missed by his children: Lilian and husband Daniel Levin, Mickey and wife Mandy Bentham, and Margo. He leaves his beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle and Dominique Levin, and Quahaila, Jeveva and Kanaba Hewitt to cherish his memory. He also leaves his brother Bert and wife Elaine, and his great-aunt Victoria Magnan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Born February 11, 1932 Gerry grew up in Sainte Anne-des-Chenes, Manitoba. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Saint Boniface to attend Saint Paul's College. Gerry was a gifted and accomplished athlete breaking records in track and field, and excelling at tennis, hockey, lacrosse, downhill skiing and golf, but his true passion was baseball. He played right field for the Columbus Club and was a fervent supporter of the Yankees. He followed the baseball season religiously until his death. He remained an avid golfer at Elmhurst for over 50 years, as well as a curler at the Granite Curling Cub. Gerry was always a team player and the camaraderie of playing sports provided him with countless hours of enjoyment. Upon graduation, Gerry worked his way up from unloading trucks on the fruit row to manger of Apex Purchasing, now Loblaws. He imported fruits and vegetables to stores across Western Canada. He loved people and his job provided him countless opportunities to engage in conversation. He was the guy you would sit next to on the plane and tell your life story; he was non-judgmental and truly interested in you. He enjoyed the many travel opportunities his job provided as he attended conventions and met with growers across Canada, Mexico, USA and Europe. After retirement, Gerry broadened his love of travel. He and Chris ventured to England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Mexico; Mali, where he rode a camel in Timbuktu; he hiked in Tuscany, watched soccer in Portugal and marveled at the glaciers in Alaska. In his retirement he also enjoyed volunteering as a driver for CancerCare for over 10 years. He took great pride in this, as he would pick up his list of patients and chart his route meticulously. Gerry took great joy in his children and grandchildren. He followed all our accomplishments and travels with great interest. He loved attending his grandchildren's many hockey, soccer and basketball games as well as jazz concerts. Despite having suffered a series of strokes in the past few years, that diminished his eyesight and limited his mobility, Gerry continued to be active participating in classes at the Reh-fit. Gerry loved the lake; he spent as much time as he could sitting on the deck at the cottage in Star Lake. He also tremendously enjoyed his gazebo in Windsor Park. He will be missed for his joie de vivre and intellectual curiosity. Gerry was a voracious reader and was passionate about world events. The family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff on 5E at Saint Boniface Hospital, and in particular medical student Alicia Barnard and nurses Alexis, Sara and Beazaiyu who exemplified what it means to be in the caring profession. A special thanks to homecare worker Mauricio who not only helped him with his weekly shower but involved Gerry in lively conversation. The family also extends a sincere thanks to all those who supported the family with kind words and soup; know that Gerry loved to visit with you all. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if you so wish you can donate to Winnipeg Harvest in memory of Gerry Bonin. Further details can be found at: http://winnipegharvest.org/gift-in-memoriam/ In keeping with Gerald's wishes cremation has taken place and a funeral mass celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Family Church, 778 Archibald Street. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2012