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GERALD AUSTIN BRACKEN Obituary pic

GERALD AUSTIN BRACKEN

Born: Aug 23, 1928

Date of Passing: Mar 23, 2014

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GERALD AUSTIN BRACKEN With family by his side, it is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather (Pop), great-grandfather, Gerald Austin Bracken, at the age of 85 years at Betel Personal Care Home in Selkirk, MB on March 23, 2014. Survived by his wife, Evelyn, of 60 years; children, Cheryl, Marilyn (Owen), Gordon (Jennifer), and Brenda (Chris); grandchildren, Austin (Michelle), Kyle (Kristina), Justin (Kim), Tory (Kaitlyn), Jasmine, Richard (Lori), Nathan, Stella (Jamie), and Chloe (Willy); great-grandchildren, Peyton, Blake, Merick, Matt, Joe, Lucy, Ben and Sophie; brothers, Ted, Edwin, Allan and Ken, and sisters, Florence, Leora, Mayme and Mabel. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Manford and Violet, brothers, Howard, John, Earle and Alvin, and his sister, Viola. Gerald was born on August 23, 1928 in Tessier, SK, the ninth child in a family of 14. In 1935 his family moved to a farm in Marchand, MB, then in 1944 to a farm in Clandeboye, MB. Gerald took Grades 1 through 8 in Marchand and 9 and 10 in Winnipeg. While going to school in Winnipeg, he joined Air Cadets. He left school to go back to work on the farm in Clandeboye. Growing up, Gerald loved to play badminton and hockey with family and friends. Gerald and Evelyn were married on December 12, 1953 at St. Clements Anglican Church in Mapleton. They made their home in Clandeboye on Brackendale Farm, where along with his brother, Alvin, sister-in-law, Mabel and their children, Linda, Wendy and Blair, shared the two storey farm house until 1966. During this time the two families formed a special bond and the children became more like brothers and sisters instead of cousins. Together the two brothers ran a very successful dairy and grain operation. Gerald was an active member of the Clandeboye Community Club, Clandeboye Skating Club and curling club, volunteering his time when anything was needed. He was also a member of the Clandeboye United Church, helping to build the new church, and could fix and repair whatever was needed to be done. Gerald enjoyed the simpler things in life, like camping, playing cards with friends and family, and old time dancing. In 1981, Gerald retired from the farm, and he and Evelyn moved to a new home on Bracken Road. He spent much of his time landscaping the new yard, then keeping it up using his John Deere garden tractor and mower. He was #1 fan to all of his grandchildren. He loved to take in all of their activities. Gerald worked hard to provide for each member of his family and was proud of each and every one of them. In 2010 Gerald and Evelyn moved into Mapleton Lane in Selkirk as he was no longer able to look after his beautiful yard. Funeral Service will be on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba with Beth McLean officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be Linda Hawes, Wendy Church, Lorraine Wawryk and Dena Grieve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gerald to Clandeboye United Church Property Fund, P.O. Box 142, Clandeboye, MB R0C 0P0, or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2014

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • Condolences and heartfelt thoughts to Auntie Evelyn, Cheryl, Marilyn, Gord, Brenda and their families. We wish we could be there with you at a time like this. Hopefully, we'll make it home this summer. One of our most recent memories of Uncle Gerry was when we were at a family reunion and a bunch of us decided to breakfast at Smitty's. I looked up from my breakfast to catch Gerry and Alvin enjoying breakfast together while beaming at the families assembled. Times with family are special, indeed. With Love and warm thoughts : Perry, Linda, Melissa and Edward. - Posted by: Linda and Perry (nephew) Bracken () on: Mar 30, 2014

  • My prayers and thoughts go out to all of the families and just to let you know that I have been thinking of you during this time. God Bless you all....take care Marilyn Loutit - Family Friend - Posted by: M () on: Mar 30, 2014

  • Our condolences to Auntie Evelyn, Cheryl, Marilyn, Gord, Brenda and your ever growing families...Uncle Gerry was very dear to many and will be missed...God bless you all in this time of remembrance and mourning...Don & Shelley Bracken - Posted by: Don Bracken (nephew) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Sending you love. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. - Posted by: Jack, Shawn, Kathy, Jackie and Brodie Bracken () on: Mar 27, 2014

  • "Pa" you were like a second dad to me, especially when you and Evelyn ("Ma") welcomed me into your home for a year while my parents were in the process of moving permanently to our summer home right next door to your farm. Even after that year was up, every time I chatted with you, you took a genuine interest in what was going on in my life and my family and for that I thank you. I truly did feel a part of the Brackens. To "Ma", Cheri, Marilyn, Gordie and the rest of the family, Bill, myself, and our family extend our deepest sympathies. Janice & Bill Laing and family - Posted by: Janice Laing (long time neighbour and friend) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • RIP Gerry, we had fun working at the care home where you were in maintenance and I was working in nursing. Always a gentleman and never complained no matter how many times we used to bug you. Gerry always did whatever he could to help out whether it was repairing something or just helping us girls by transporting the residents to and from meals. My condolences to all the family - Posted by: Theresa Kosack ((co-worker and friend from the old Red River Place days)) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • My condolences to all the Bracken clan on the passing of your dear one Gerry. I remember him so well as a good neighbor in Clandeboye. He will be missed. - Posted by: Alison Lowe (Neighbor in Clandeboye) on: Mar 25, 2014

  • Cheryl I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I never had the opportunity to meet him but reading his obituary tells me you were very blessed to have such a wonderful man in your life. It's so hard to say good-bye, but soon his memories will take over the tears and you will think of something pertaining to your father and you will be able to remember him with a smile. - Posted by: Roslyn Saurette (Friend of his daughter Cheryl) on: Mar 25, 2014

  • my sincere sympathies to all of you. Keep your memories close to your heart and know that you have made your dad proud by carrying on his legacy by being the wonderful people that you are. Our communities would never flourish if it wasn't for families like yours that know the value of family and the importance of that community that helps love and nurture our families. Hugs to you all from Kim, Tony, Erin and Connor. - Posted by: kim ward (friend) on: Mar 25, 2014

  • So sorry to hear about Uncle Gerry's passing. A wonderful man who will be missed by many, many people. Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Valerie and Roy Hall Langley, BC - Posted by: Valerie Hall (niece) on: Mar 25, 2014

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