GENE PERRY

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GENE PERRY January 31, 1935 - July 19, 2018 Peacefully, with his family by his side, Dad leaves to mourn his wife of 61 years, Marthe, son Andre and wife Helen, daughter Terry, daughter Linda and husband Mitch, son Joe and wife Karen and son Bill. Also left to mourn his passing are grandchildren: Danielle (Geoff), Christopher, Kenneth, Paul (Jeana), Joseph, Lise, Justin, Aric (Alison), and great-grandchildren: Addison, Kaylee, Kadence and Ariana. He also leaves behind brothers, Joe (Cathy) Perry, Ernie (Darlene) Perry, sister Gloria Turner, and sister-in-law Jacqui Perry. Gene was predeceased by, and has left this earth to join, his father Ernie Perry, mother Marianne Perry and brother Bill (Jim) Perry. Born Eugene Louis Perry in Nobleville, Saskatchewan; Gene, as he preferred to be called, spent childhood years in Swan River and Saint Alphonse before settling in Winnipeg with his mother and siblings on Carter Avenue. Dad spent time driving taxi and teaching driving lessons at Joe Vine where he met the love of his life Marthe. Following a whirlwind romance they married July 24, 1957 when they became an instant family as he adopted Andre and Terry. Dad worked diligently at the Canadian Wheat Board for over 41 years providing consistently and reliably for his growing family, until his retirement in 1991. Gene's greatest joy and love was his family. During the boys' younger years he was actively involved in hockey and baseball, both as a supportive parent and volunteer coach. He will be most lovingly remembered for his willingness to lend a helping hand. With his many hands-on skills such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing and general fix-anything talents, he loved nothing more than to wake up early, pack up his tools and head off to wherever he was needed. Self-taught, he is credited with building garages, cabins and had participated in numerous renovations and home improvements to both his own home and those of his many appreciative family members. For years, Dad was dedicated to helping his mother Marianne with her business; Marianne Perry Draperies. While not working at the Wheat Board or spending time with family, Dad would install hardware and drapery for her many customers. For several years, he was also happy to assist middle son Joe with his business, Canadian Health Care Products; installing equipment, building lap trays or any other job Joe had for him. He never said no to a request. Gene loved children and took great pleasure in his role as Grandpa. His fabrication of the wagon train and the daily walks down Penfold Crescent will be fondly remembered by everyone. Dad enjoyed summers camping at Blue Lake with Marthe and the kids, and numerous extended family members. During his retirement, he and Marthe frequented their trailer at Winnipeg Beach where they enjoyed the company of Gene's mother and sister Gloria, who also had a place at Wildwood Trailer Park across the creek from them. Gene and Marthe also enjoyed spending winter vacations on many cruise ship adventures. Our sorrow is fresh but Dad's love for us and ours for him will live on in our hearts and memories until we meet again, rest in peace Dad. Special thank you to the nurses, health care aides and staff at Golden Links Lodge who provided Dad with excellent care and provided family with compassionate support during Dad's last days. A private gathering celebrating Gene's life is being planned for August, 2018. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2018