Gerald Garneau

Stories never die, they continue on as remembered by the one whos told them. Gerald (Gerry) Clifford Garneau of Sooke, B.C. was born on October 24, 1939 in Red Lake, Ontario to Clifford and Miriam (nee Ketola) passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at age 73. Gerry is survived by his wife Shirley (nee Tenhunen), children Randy, Nadina Kelso and Dana Vowles, son in-laws Mike Kelso and Gray Buchanan. Grandchildren Brent, Kari, Aaron, Cole, Clay, Sylas and Mika. Brother Bernie, sisters Margret and Sharon, step-sister Sonja. Also survived by several sister and brother in-laws and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was raised by his Aunt and Uncle Irja and Antti Puska on the farm in Intola. He attended Intola and Five Mile Schools and Port Arthur Tech/Hillcrest High School. Gerry joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1957, travelling from coast to coast until settling with his family in Sooke in 1969 and serving until 1975. He continued his career at sea for the Institute of Ocean Sciences and worked on the John P. Tully, retiring in 1990. Gerry was the owner operator of Jet-Vac & Gerrys Oil Burner Service for 6 years and served with the RCMP Auxiliary force in Sooke. He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Sooke Branch. Gerry loved to be on the sea, thus was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed trolling the shores of One Island Lake. Gerrys favourite saying was, A sailors place is on the ship, the ships place is out at sea and land is a navigational hazard! In respect to Gerrys wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of cards and flowers, donations to be made in memory of Gerry Garneau to the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society, Charters River Salmon Stewardship Center, 2895 Sooke River Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0Y1. I am Free Dont grieve for me for now I am free, Im following the path God laid for me, I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all, I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that place at the close of day, If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things I too will miss, Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you sunshine of tomorrow, My life has been full; I savored much Good family, friends, good times, a loved ones touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Dont lengthen it now with undue grief, Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free!