Obituary
After a long battle with mental illness, Gerry took his life this past Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Unfortunately this time, the struggle just became too difficult. Gerry grew up in Big Beaver, Saskatchewan, a place that he loved and spoke about often. His early career was spent in the RCMP in Leduc, Alberta, where he made many lifelong friends. Later, while living in Edmonton and Calgary, Gerry enjoyed land work and especially the relationships he had with various Aboriginal communities in the province. His unparalleled sense of humour will be remembered by everyone who knew him. He never attended any gathering without a few good jokes in his back pocket. He was very much loved. He will be remembered by his daughter Crystal (Mike); son David (Jennifer); sister Bernice (Dean); brother Buck (Barb); grandchildren Ryan, Eric and Peyton; nephews Jeff (Donna), Kevin (Danette), Jarrod (Chelsea) and niece Jolene; as well as Aunty Joan and cousin Glenda. Gerry will also be greatly missed by best buddies Peter (Delores), Dennis (Valerie), Vern, Fred (Val), Bill (June), Jim (Judy), Steve (Linda), Warren (Louise), Larry (Mona) and Lars. A heartfelt thanks to Drs. Ward and Campbell for all that they did for Gerry. To help prevent tragedies like this from happening in other families, and in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Suite 320, 105 – 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 (www.suicideinfo.ca), if you wish. Gerry requested no formal funeral service. There will, however, be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Four Points by Sheraton Calgary West, 8220 Bowridge Crescent NW, Calgary AB at 11:00 a.m. All friends and family are welcome to come and share stories of Gerry. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/calgary-ab/gerald-rainbird-5044447
