Tribute

Peacefully, courageously and with dignity, with his family holding his hands, and knowing how very much he was loved, Dad left this world to be reuinited with Mum. Left to mourn his loss are daughter Shannon, husband Grant and grandson Drake McKay of Duncan BC, brothers Clarence and Wally Gesell, sister Esther Berquist, sisters-in-law Rose Florence and Diane Florence, brothers-in-law Bob (Betty) Florence, and Hart (Alice) Florence, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his wife Beverly, parents Ferdinand and Lydia Gesell, brothers Harold and Harvey Gesell, sisters Helen Makuk and Martha Genzler, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ossie and Lily Florence, brothers-in-law Tom, Brian and Jack Florence and sisters-in-law Millie MacGarva and Helene Stanbra.

Dad was born on the family farm in Whitemouth, MB, the youngest of 8 children. The family moved to farm in Balmoral where he was raised and lived until marrying Mum in 1966. They took up residence in Winnipeg and moved to Teulon in 1968, where they raised their daughter Shannon. Mum was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2004, and they decided to move to Duncan BC in 2005 to spend their remaining years with Shannon, Grant and Drake.

What can I say about Pop that those of you who knew him don't already know? Dad was a kind, caring, loving and dedicated man..to whatever job or project he was involved with at the time, to his co-workers, to his friends, and to his family. His word was his bond and he stood by that all his life. He loved the outdoors and nature. He found beauty and joy in the simplest of things..from a sunrise or sunset, a heavy rain, or the detail on a ladybug found in his flowers. He gave help when needed and he believed strongly in giving back to your community. He served as a councillor for many years with the Town of Teulon, which was perfect as he always wanted to know what was going on with his town. He had life long friends that meant the world to him, and he loved the day trips he and Mum went on with Barry and Shirley, Ralph and Joan, and Barry and Maxine. He loved the debates he and Ralph would have about anything and everything that was going on in the world. He loved baseball, and while most little girls may have had stories read to them about Goldilocks, I grew up with stories of the baseball greats..Shoeless Joe Jackson, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Cy Young and Lou Gehrig. He was a great story teller and had an infectious laugh and giggle that couldn't help but make you laugh as well. He could be opinionated, and stubborn, and being German, was never wrong. Although in later years, he did admit to possibly being wrong about something in 1941, but as he was only 3 years old at the time, it shouldn't be held against him! (gotcha Pop). He loved his family so very much. The sun rose and fell on us, and I was raised in a home full of so much laughter and love. He never thought of Grant as his son-in-law, but loved him as his own son, and was so proud of all he has accomplished in the business world. He always made my friends feel loved and welcomed into his home, and he loved his “baseball daughters” June, Tracey, Kelly, Heather, Karen, Donna, Colleen, Bev, Jill, Cheryl, Angie and Melody. I think Pop's greatest joy was spending time with Drake. He loved going for drives with him, watching cartoons, playing cards, and watching him swim. He loved him so very much and was so very proud of the young man he has become. “My Dad” are two such small words when trying to encompass everything my Dad was to me and to those who were fortunate enough to know him. Yet, quite simply, at the end of the day, when all is said and done, that's who he was…my Dad. We love you Pop, thank you for being who you were, we will miss you every day…..

A Celebrtation of Life will take place on Thursday July 31, 2014 at 1:00 PM at HW Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre, 5285 Polkey Road, Duncan, BC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the South Interlake Regional Library, 19 Beach Road E, Teulon, MB R0C 3B0