It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Harry Gerula, 77, of Pinewood, Ont., on Saturday Nov. 5, 2016 at his home after a long, hard, and courageous battle with cancer.
Harry was born Nov. 17, 1938 in the Municipality of Stuartburn, Man. to John and Eva Gerula.
Harry could keep busy at all times as a carpenter, and he had an awesome talent of being able to look at a drawing and to see exactly what had to be done to make it look exactly like the picture and, therefore, always was in demand.
Upon retirement, he proceeded to make trails through the bush at his home so the deer and wildlife had a place to stay, and he enjoyed watching the animals with their young.
In hunting season, he chased away the hunters who proceeded to use his “no hunting” signs to brace themselves to shoot whatever moved.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Irene.
He also is survived by his former wife, Elsie Gerula of Rainy River, Ont.; their son, Tom Gerula of Winnipeg, Man. and his family, Jesse, Jacob, Mercedes, and Melanie and her son, Jace; daughter, Georgie Gerula (Pat Casey) of Prince George, B.C. and their children, Sydney and Kennedy; and daughter, Paula Clifford of Fort Frances, Ont. and her children, Mark, Luke, Kathryn, and Victoria.
Harry also is survived by his stepchildren, Clarence Runke (Maureen) of High Level, Alta. and Marie Cote (Randy) and their daughter, Brandi Cote, of Ignace, Ont.; his sister, Kay Melnychuk; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Harry was predeceased by his parents, John and Eva Gerula; sisters, Mary, Anne, and Sophie; and brothers, Mike, Bill, Pete, Matt, and Nick.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River, Ont.
The pallbearers will be Brian Gerula, Mark Clifford, Luke Clifford, Randy Cote, Jesse Gerula, and Jacob Gerula.
The honourary pallbearers will be Joe Hodgson, Kay Melnychuk, Mike Elias, Rob Armstrong, Grant Kellar, and Les Abbott.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Tamarack House c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
HARRY GERULA
