Tribute

Gerry was born in Edmonton Alberta to Stephen and Helen Shandro. He is survived by his sons David and Chris(Erin), grand daughter Jennifer as well as brother Doug, all of Calgary Alberta. Gerry was pre-deceased by his first wife Mary in 1975. In August 1977 Gerry surprised those in attendance at a Jewellers function at the McDonald hotel in Edmonton by inviting them to join in the celebration of his marriage to Elsie. This was the start of a dynamic partnership lasting 38 years until her death in 2015 in Victoria BC. Gerry started life as a mortician at an early age but went on to hold various sales positions in Vancouver, Toronto and ultimately Calgary where he was an independent sales representative for the Siffari Jewelry company out of Toronto. He travelled Alberta for fifteen years, calling on retail Jewelry stores, selling them gold and diamond jewelry. (One of his accounts was Elsie and she too had lost her partner to cancer, hence the resulting union). In 1989 Gerry and Elsie retired to the gated community of Arbutus Ridge on Vancouver Island. There they spent 26 happy years together building lasting friendships through participating in and organizing many events that continue today. Gerry was a volunteer cancer driver/dispatcher for 14 years, the disease of which eventually took his life. He and Elsie’s involvement in fund raising for Hospice knew no bounds, oh the penny & toonie drives and the sale of 2500 plus bracelets. Gerry was known in the community as Mr. MC, organizing many celebrations of life and special events. He never knew a microphone he didn’t like and was always the consummate teller of jokes. Gerry resided in Sunridge Place in Duncan for the last 18 months of his life where he was well liked and well cared for. A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at Arbutus Ridge on Saturday, September 9th, 2017 at 2:00 PM. All are welcome.