KUMITCH, Gerald Andre
1931-2009
Peacefully on January 19, 2009 Gerry passed away in the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH. He is survived by his loving wife Arleigh of 53 years, his daughter Jo-Anne Kumitch-Huxter (Tony) Ty & Keegan Qualicum Beach, BC, his three sons Bruce Kumitch (Brenda) Sarah, Brennan, Hayley & Jordan, Saskatoon, SK. Carey Kumitch, Carberry, MB and Kurt Kumitch (Chris) Samantha, Drayton Valley, AB. Predeceased by a son Erik in 1959. Lovingly remembered by his sister Vonnie Brousseau, Edmonton, AB. Gerry is also survived by his brothers in law Larry & Joyce Love & family, Leith & Bonnie Love & family of Dauphin, MB. Les & Lori Love Winnipeg, MB, as well as many relatives of the Love family from Dauphin, MB. In Edmonton, he leaves to mourn his cousin Jacquie Stenberg, Aunt Nellie More and Aunt Grace Lescarmure, Chemainus, BC.
Gerry was born in Vancouver, grew up in Edmonton and joined the RCMP in 1951, training at Regina, SK and then at Rockcliffe, ON. for the musical ride on his horse Sinbad. He was stationed in “D” Division MB, serving on Detachments at Minnedosa, Russell, Roblin, Swan River and Dauphin where he met his wife Arleigh, and they were married in 1956. Gerry spent 5 years in S&I and then was in charge of detachments in Amaranth, Lynn Lake, Winnipegosis and Carberry. He received his Long Service Good Conduct Medal and retired after 25 years of service. Gerry and his family settled in Carberry where he was employed for 20 years as Personnel Manager at Carnation Foods (Nestles) a potato processing plant.
Living in small communities Gerry and Arleigh curled in the winter, skidooed with the family and skied the trails in the Carberry Sandhills. In Winnipegosis he organized a Cub Pack and at Carberry he was a Scout Leader and was instrumental in building a cabin for the boys to have weekend camp-outs. Always an avid gardener he landscaped the yard of his beautiful home in Carberry and every year his large rock garden was the background for many local wedding photos.
Dad was never idle and instilled his strong work ethic in all of his children. Growing up we remember summer vacations with our station wagon and trailer travelling throughout the States, seeing amazingly beautiful country and learning lots of history.
In 1995 Gerry and Arleigh moved to Parksville, BC where he continued his love of gardening and his passion for growing roses. In 2006 Gerry and Arleigh celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a gathering of family and friends. Never without a dog, Gerry will be sadly missed by his two companions Simone & Charlie.
Gerry leaves behind many good friends from north to south in Manitoba and on the Island.
A Celebration of his Life will be held in August.
You are now at rest dear one and our memories of you will forever stay in our hearts.
Death is nothing at all. I have slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.