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Gerald Gerry Odegaard
June 26, 1937 - November 28, 2010
Tribute
Odegaard, Gerald Allan passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 28, 2010. Gerry fought a courageous 8 month battle with Soft Tissue Sarcoma Cancer and never was a complaint heard. He often said “We do the best we can!” Born on June 26, 1937 at Nurse Lidstrom’s home in Canwood, Saskatchewan. Predeceased by his parents Ervin and Emma Odegaard, he is lovingly remembered by his wife Mary nee (Thiessen) of 54 years, daughter’s Leanne Page (Rick Harrison), Lana (Dave) Cech, Keli (Kelly) Sinclair, Kim (John) Hoffmann, 9 grandchildren Erik, Natasha, heather, Krista, Melissa, Kirsten, Tyler, Brandon and Megan, 4 great grandsons, brother Lance (Sharon) Odegaard and Lance’s children Brad (Susy) Odegaard, Carmen (Keith) Hall, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and his special four legged companion “Buddy”.
As a boy, Gerry worked at his parent’s store, Nestledown General and moved to British Columbia in 1956 where he worked for Hudson’s Hardware and Safeway as Produce Manager. In 1966 Gerald moved to Shawnigan Lake where he and Mary bought and operated Aitken and Fraser General Store, AKA Gerry’s from June 1966 to January 2000. A family business employed all 4 daughters at one time and a son-in-law, Dave. Gerry always said the store couldn’t have run without all the wonderful staff that worked with him over the years and always made time to enjoy a visit with the customers. The store even made it to the big screen in a scene from the movie “Lake Placid”. Mary and Gerry sold the store and retired in 2000 although one of his daughters Lana, continues working there. Together they enjoyed many winters at their favourite hot spot, Waikiki. Gerry volunteered with the Shawnigan Lake Fire Hall for 13 years and also enjoyed playing hockey (guess he’s always been a fighter since he seemed to spend a lot of time in the penalty box), baseball, curling, gardening and gazing out over the lake. Gerry also looked forward to his luncheon visits with little brother Lance.
Many thanks to Vancouver General Hospital nurses for their special care, the Cancer Clinic radiation staff, Cowichan District Hospital, Mike Wright from BC Ambulance, The Oswego Hotel’s caring staff and many of our extended family and friends! Thanks to Harold Wallace for all of his guidance through this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers donations can be designated to “Soft Tissue Sarcoma Cancer” Canadian Cancer Society 565 West 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J4. A celebration of life will be held at Shawnigan Lake Community Center 2804 Shawnigan Lake Road Shawnigan Lake, BC on Friday December 10, 2010 at1:00 p.m. Please bring your stories to share – spoken or written!
Condolences
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From: Kim and Patti Bergh
Relation: Old customers and aquaintances
Mary and family. Sorry sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Always a fine gentlemen and friend to all. We are so pleased we were able to run into you several times during your Oswego stays. So sorry for you loss.
From: Arve & Karen
Relation: live in Shawnigan Village
Wherever, whenever we saw Gerry, he always had a smile and a kind word to say. Please know that we will miss him in the Village and in town and accept our heartfelt condolences.
From: Leanne Lang
Relation: know the family
Mary, Lana and family…I would like to send my deepest sympathies to you at this time of great loss. Hold onto each other and know that the community is behind you.
From: Barry Duvall
Relation: Friend of the family
Although I did not have the chance to know Gerald, as a one time member of the Silent Call, Nestledown and Stump Lake communities, I have fond memories of spending time at the Odegaard store at Nestledown. I would like to extend my sympathies to the Odegaard family on their loss. Barry Duvall, Victoria, British Columbia
From: Nora (Ballantyne) Irvine
Relation: frequent customer and friend
To you Mary and your family we send our deepest sympathy on the passing of your special Gerry ,Dad, Grandpa and GG. As kids Mom would pile us all in the car and head for Gerry’s all summer long. Gerry always greeted us with a great big smile and took the time to catch up from the previous summer and gave us all the Shawnigan news too. I remember how kind he was to us and so friendly no matter how excited we were! We’ll always have the fondest memories of Gerry.
From: Ken F. Smith
Relation: Canada Safeway
Dear Mary:
I was saddened to read of Gerry’s passing in the Times Colonist. I worked with Gerry at Safeway 1962-1963 before transferring back to Victoria. Gerry was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with you. Ken
From: Eberhard & Jeanette Hahn
Relation: (Jaegerhaus)
We remember Gerry as a generous and kind man.Our condolences-
Eberhard & Jeanette
From: Liz Waelti and Tony Cairns
Relation: friends
Dear Mary,
Tony and I would like to express our heart felt sympathy for the loss of your dear Gerry. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. Gerry was a rarity in this world, kind and sincere, his wonderfully accepting, non judgemental and exceptionally generous ways made everyone admire him and feel comfortable in his presence. It was a privilege for us to know him. We always loved to stop and shop at the store after work because no matter what kind of day we had had there was always a genuine smile and a sincere,“how are you doing?” from Gerry to lift our spirits. Our Shawnigan friends all tell us they felt the same way when they went to the store. Gerry exuded good karma.
When we told our children Gerry had died our daughter, Lise, who lives in England and dreams of home said, “I can’t believe it, Gerry was a fixture in Shawnigan, I can’t imagine Shawnigan without him.” It seems the whole community is feeling the same way.
Please know we are thinking of you, Mary, we know Gerry always felt blessed to have you as his right arm and his soul’s support. We hope your wonderful memories of Gerry will bring some comfort to you at this difficult time. It is good to know you have such a lovely family surrounding you, we send them our love and condolences too.
Although we probably won’t be able to attend Gerry’s celebration of life due to the arrival of out of town guests Thursday evening, our thoughts will be with you. Gerry will always be celebrated in ou
From: Norma Pannell
Relation: "old" acquaintance
Mary (and family). So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I have many memories of you coming to visit my Mom and Dad ( Florence and Al Soderquist ), and being allowed to help make many plates of cinnamon toast that was consumed with pots of tea/coffee. Although I was too young to join in the conversation – I do remember there was always alot of laughter. Cherish all the great memories.
Big hug for you
Norma Pannell
From: Jeff and Bonnie Boccabella
Relation: Store
Mary and Family. We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry. He will be remembered by us as a pillar of the community. A stand up guy who gave so much in spirit, generosity and the accepted the trust of others on their word. He will be missed.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
December 10, 2010
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
2804 Shawnigan Lake Road
Shawnigan Lake, BC Canada V0R 2P2
2804 Shawnigan Lake Road
Shawnigan Lake, BC Canada V0R 2P2
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
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