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GERALD (GERRY) TURENNE 1948 - 2015 Suddenly, Gérald (Gerry), a loving, inspiring and caring voyageur, quietly crossed the "Last Portage" on Monday, June 1, 2015 whilst on a visit to St. Boniface from his home in Lac du Bonnet. In doing so, he leaves behind his immediate family - a dear wife of 44 years, Lorraine (Guyot) - a son and daughter-in-law, Gab-Riel ("Pit") and Julie Maynard, and their three beloved children Annika, Martin and Natasha - and dad's little girl, Andrina ("Poune") and her companion Aaron Tryon. Born into a large family, he also leaves behind brothers René (Pauline Collette) and Pierre (Joanne Morris), and sisters Jeanne (Maurice Ruest), Michelle (James Hoger), Rachelle Smith, Suzanne (Jean-Luc Lavigne), and Monique (Brent Hutchison). He also leaves many nephews and nieces, co-workers, business partners and associates, and many friends who were pleased and privileged to paddle part of their route through life in his joyous company. Gerry has now reunited with his parents Denis and Lucille (Préfontaine) of St-Pierre, MB, his older brother Bernard and his wife Vivian (Pierce), and his younger brother Marc. Raised in St-Pierre-Jolys, Gerry was known throughout town for his blond hair, winning smile and mischievous streak which earned him the nickname "Sunshine". Later, whilst in high school, his love of football and his ambitious driving nature earned him the title of "Tank". Finally, his leadership in directing the fledgling winter celebration we now hail as the Festival du Voyageur, as well as his later vision in transforming - with the immense help of his wife and partner Lorraine, and friends and partners Phil and Jackie Lavack - the rustic camp at Aikens Lake, MB into a world-class sport-fishing destination, rightfully earned him the title "Big Guy". Privately, Gerry was a mentor, motivator, and a mover of great persuasion who also sought the best in everyone and most often succeeded in making that flourish to their advantage. He loved fishing, hunting, canoeing, and hanging out with his son and successor, as well as following the singing career of his dear daughter with unabashed pride and joy. His family, innumerable friends, co-workers and employees are invited to wish him farewell this Friday, June 5, at the St. Boniface Cathedral with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. and a full funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. and eulogy beginning at 10:15 a.m. A private interment will take place at the St-Boniface Cemetery on Archibald Street at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to Fish Winnipeg, c/o David Carrick, Aikins, Macaulay and Thorvaldson, LLP, 30th Floor, 360 Main St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G1. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2015
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Our condolences to Lorraine and family with the loss of a husband and father and great friend. We where shocked to hear Gerry's passing. Known Gerry for years he was an inspiration to us. Loved life and the great outdoors. The Tank we called him. Always good for a party and loved fishing. And a great business man and organizer. He will always be in our heart and memory. He will be missed by all the people he knew. Love from Tony and Ria - Posted by: TONY VAN DEN BERG (FRIEND) on: Dec 25, 2015
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Sincere condolences Pit, Julie and family. Thinking about you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Shaun and Jessica Jackson () on: Jun 09, 2015
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My son Ryan and I met Gerry 3 years ago at Aiken's Lake and we shared a shore lunch together. He was a great visionary and truly a gentlemen in every sense of the word! Our sincerest condolences to your entire family and close friends... - Posted by: Ray Juneau () on: Jun 07, 2015
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Toutes mes sympathies Lorraine et famille. Gerry laisse des longues traces. Bon courage. - Posted by: Lucille Daudet-Mitchell (amie) on: Jun 05, 2015
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Sorry to hear of his passing. We used to be neighbors when our families lived in St. Pierre in town. Sunshine and I played together lots as kids. He did a lot of good things in life. Cherish those memories. - Posted by: Helene Roy Rohn (neighbor when we were kids.) on: Jun 05, 2015
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We were so sorry to hear that Gerry had passed away. Our sincere condolences to you, Lorraine, and all the family. - Posted by: Bob and. Marlene Jackson () on: Jun 04, 2015
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My deepest condolences to you Lorraine at the loss of your husband. - Posted by: Vera Cardinal (Acquantance) on: Jun 04, 2015
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Gerry was a dominant personality who made things happen. He believed in the Manitoba tourism product and worked hard to build it up. His work at Aikens Lake fishing camp will be a lasting legacy with his son operating it with the quality I am sure Gerry was proud of. Too young to leave us. - Posted by: Ron Pradinuk (Friend and business associate) on: Jun 04, 2015
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Wishing Lorraine and family our deepest sympathy on the passing of Gerald. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in this time of mourning. I still remember our get together in Lafayette, Louissianna where we got to spend some time together. Good bye dear friend. - Posted by: Hector & Annette Demarcke (highschool friend) on: Jun 04, 2015