William James Gerrard passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019, shortly after his 94th birthday. Throughout his life he was an exceptionally kind, honest and generous man with strong family values, solid work ethics, and keen sense of community.

William “Willie” James Gerrard was born at the Hamlet of Waterhole, AB on September 26, 1925. Waterhole was moved shortly after, in 1928, closer to the new rail line. Willie was one of the few remaining original Waterhole Citizens. (Waterhole was renamed Fairview after the move). Willie joined his parents, Robert and Edna Gerrard, and his two older sisters living on the family homestead quarter in Green Island district. Robert claimed this homestead in 1906 at a very young age. At the same time, his father, George Gerrard, settled the quarter to the east of Robert’s quarter.

Willie was the third of six children. His sister, Janet, who married William “Bill” Crandall, is currently 99 years old. Catherine “Tat” Fletcher was the second child, the fourth is Olive, the fifth Ada, and the youngest Robert “Bobby”.

Willie custom hauled grain at an age before a person can even get a license now. He went into the Army with the second draft and was trained as a tank driver because of his farming experience. The war ended just before he was to go overseas. He finished out his term of service peeling potatoes in the officer’s mess (cafeteria) before he was able to return home with an engagement ring in hand for his new bride to be. Willie had saved up for the ring with his army pay. He was married on August 23, 1947 to Mildred May Hart. She had been the girl of his dreams for a number of years prior to his stint in the army.

Together Millie and Willie raised four boys: Gary William, James Robert “Jim”, John Thomas “Jack”, and Borden Hoy. They lived and farmed in the Green Island district until 1994 when they moved to Fairview and Jim moved onto the home quarter. Willie still continued to farm until the fall of his 83rd birthday, commuting the 10 miles to the farm almost daily.

Willie was active in the community over the years with the Legion, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, United Church Choir, and United Grain Growers. He was also routinely drove children to cubs, hockey, air cadets, etc., and took an active role each time. In around 1978 or 1979, Willie and Millie took up square dancing and traveled all over the country dancing and making new friends. On one occasion, they even danced for Queen Elizabeth II. Willie eventually became a very good square dance caller as well.

He leaves to mourn his children: Gary (Donna), Jack (Brigitte), and Borden; daughter in-law Noemi; grandchildren: Brietta, Katrina, Kelli, Teri, and Dean; sisters: Janet, Olive, and Ada; brother Robert (Betty); as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

William was predeceased by both his parents, his wife Mildred, sister Catherine “Tat” Fletcher and her husband Gord Fletcher, brother in-law William Crandall, sister in-law Joyce Gerrard, son Jim, and nephew Robert Fletcher.

A Celebration of Life will be held for both William and Mildred on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at 1:00pm, at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #84 in Fairview, AB (10315 110 St.). Willie will be provided with an Honor Guard as a military veteran. Lunch will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #84 (Box 291
Fairview, AB, T0H 1L0) would be appreciated by Willie.

Condolences may be sent by visiting
www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2019-09-30
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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