Today’s Poll

Townsend, Gerald

(July 24th, 2018)

Gerald Townsend

Gerald passed away July 20, 2018 with his daughter Sharon and niece Shelley by his side one week shy of his 89th birthday.

Gerald was born at home and delivered by his dad July 27, 1929 in Craik, Saskatchewan. He was the 9th child and youngest son of Harold and Caroline Townsend.

Gerald moved to Nelson in 1946 from Saskatchewan and started work with Hipperson Hardware. He met the love of his life, Frances Turner and married her in 1953. They had 5 children together.

Gerald was an active member of the Nelson Gyro Club for over 60 years where he made many dear friends. He purchased Nelson Electric Company in 1956 with his brother-in-law George Turner which they ran until 1983. Gerald served 2 terms on the Kootenay Lake Hospital board. Gerald and Frances purchased a home on Ward Street in 1963 and lived there for 54 years before selling and moving into a condo downtown. Their house on Ward Street was always the most decorated in the neighborhood during the Christmas holidays.

Gerald was an extremely hard working man, growing up on the Prairies dictated such dedication to hard honest work. He loved to work with his hands, creating beautifully carved birds that grace his family and close friend’s homes.

Gerald  was predeceased by his parents, siblings Ray, Burna, Alta, Fred, Edna, Harold, Norman, and son Jonathon. Left to remember him are his wife of 65 years Frances, sister Gloria Reid of Saskatoon, children Sharon (Mario Campese), Leslie (John Shirley), Brenda (Ray Dejong), Denise (Gene Drouin). Grandchildren Justin Campese, Laura (Rennie), Lee Campese, Shelley Fleury, Matthew Shirley, Jacob Dejong, Michael Dejong, Dana (Marsden), Jordan, Jennifer, Nolan, Darby and Nikki. Great Grandchildren Cameron, Linden, Hanna, Noah, Hayden, Sophia, Zakkry, and Elijah.

Gerald asked that Dr Kelly Mieske be recognized for her exceptionally compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If you wish to make a donation in Gerald’s name, please donate to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or the SPCA.

Other News Stories

Opinion