On New Year’s Day, our ultra-loved Daddy-o / partner / Gigi / brother began the next leg of his journey suddenly but peacefully in his childhood home in Thunder Bay. Home for the holidays, he enjoyed one last epic “Gigi Christmas” before passing, so we find peace knowing he left us with a full heart.
“Team Gigi” will carry on his legacy of love and belly laughs. Survived by his loving partner of 22 years, Christine Varnes; “The Girls” Catherine (Jonny) Maclam, Kerri (Chris) Gaudreau and Kelly (Tino) Andrew; and the lights of his life, his grandbabies: Kayja, Molly, Nyah, Claire, Brock and Paige. We know we are blessed to have so many amazing memories with our #1 guy. He will be dearly missed by his siblings Dennis Halabecki, Terry Halabecki, Susan (Gord) Ibey, Murray (Jacqueline) Varnes, Carolyn (Doug) Varnes-Brown and their families. And who can forget his best fishing buddy and partner in crime – thank you for everything Jim.
Predeceased by his loving parents Frank and Pauline Halabecki, his father-in-law Crawford Varnes, and sister-in-law Parvin Halabecki; we take comfort in knowing they welcomed him home with open arms.
Dad was born in Fort William, and had a childhood filled with adventure alongside his siblings, cousins and friends. Stories about climbing up (and falling down) mountains, road trips and fishing were abundant. He had a special bond with his “little sister Suzie” (ask Uncle Gord about the warning he received when they started dating!) He attended Westgate High School in Thunder Bay where he participated in wrestling and broomball, and was a trainer for the football team.
Gerry married Susan Hay (Lundberg) in 1978 and they created the joys of his life, his 3 daughters (aka “The Girls”). Bike rides, trips to Duluth, teaching us how to garden, catch a ball, and catch smelts were among the highlights of our early years. Thank you for putting together all of our Barbie furniture, attending our ball games, never forgetting Valentine’s Day, and watching all of our living room choreography with gusto.
Gerry’s first job (and fond memory) was working at his father’s gas station, Frank’s Texaco on Brock St. He worked the majority of his career as a grain inspector for the Canadian Grain Commission in Thunder Bay, and became Union Leader before being elected 3 terms into the role of Regional Executive Vice President of Ontario for the Public Service Alliance of Canada and relocating to Toronto, ON. Committing to this role required him to make the difficult choice to relocate to Toronto where he thrived and built a beautiful life and partnership with his CV (Christine).
There are too many vacations, fishing adventures, camping trips and events to list out. Suffice it to say, Gerry filled his life with what brought him joy, including but not limited to: the Leafs, the Vikings, and the Yankees (but look out if they lost!); dipping his feet in Old Woman’s Bay; his Plymouth Road Runner and his “shaggin’ wagon”; martini Fridays; Star Trek; gardening (he took special pride in his blackberries); fishing (bonus points for pickerel); relentlessly following his children around with the camcorder; phone calls with his siblings; and of course his infamous Happy Birthday calls (complete with a bonus rendition of “Jolly Good Fellow”).
Please join us as we celebrate a life very well lived on Wednesday January 10th at 11:00am at Church of the Holy Cross, 415 Victoria Ave W. A private interment will take place with family at a later date.
Special thanks to Dr. Jacobson, the paramedic team, Uncle Dennis, and “Suzie” for fast action and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Northern Cancer Research Fund.
“For he’s a jolly good fellow….which nobody can deny.”
We love you.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
