Obituaries

GERALD ARTHUR SMITH, P.ENG.
May 12, 1937 – November 4, 2017
   Surrounded by his family, “Gerry” passed away peacefully at his St. James home in the early morning of Saturday, November 4, 2017, at age 80. He will be very sadly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carolyn (nee Porteous), who was at his side for what turned out to be a very quick battle with cancer.    Left to lovingly remember Gerry are his children Leanne, Todd (Bev), Louise (Steve), Michelle (Aras); seven grandchildren Jenna (James), Colin (Christine), Lindsey (Steve), Courtney, Riley, Taya, and Jonas; brother Brian (Winnie), in-laws Ryan and Irene Porteous, Ken and Roberta Porteous and Elaine Smith, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his youngest brother Bruce Smith.   Gerry was born in Winnipeg and the first born to George and Ida Smith. He was raised in the west end and later moved to St. James, where he attended St. James Collegiate and met Carolyn, the love of his life. They married in October 1958, while Gerry was pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba. He graduated in 1962, already a young father to Leanne and Todd.   He started his career working for Underwood McLellan and Associates (later UMA) in Manitoba, including several stints in the north. In 1965, Gerry and Carolyn moved their young family (now three children) to Southern California so Gerry could complete his Masters of Science in Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He graduated in 1966.    On return to Winnipeg Gerry resumed his career with Underwood McLellan and Associates where he worked as a Transportation Engineer for 40 years. He and Carolyn raised their four children in Woodhaven, and Gerry was very involved in the kids’ sports, coaching baseball and hockey and volunteering at the Woodhaven Community Club. They spent summers at Grand Beach, where he and Carolyn built their own cottage from the ground up and made a lifetime of memories – card games, parties, birthdays, fishing, swimming, arts, building, relaxing and living. They also travelled extensively, both when the kids were young and in their later years. Gerry was always game for an adventure including travelling most of North America and many countries in Europe.    In 1987 Gerry and Carolyn returned to California for seven years, where he managed UMA’s Irvine, Orange County office. During their years in California, he and Carolyn hosted many family members and friends in Laguna Beach which would become their second home. He also worked in Albuquerque for an extended period. Extremely hardworking and dedicated to his field, Gerry chose work over retirement and in the early 2000s started his own engineering consulting company with Carolyn, GCS Technology.    Gerry mentored many young Engineers throughout his working career, and contributed to advances in his field. His transportation designs and safety audit work can be found in the roads and highways across North America. He worked right up until his very last days.   Besides his family and career Gerry did find time for some leisure activities including golf games in recent years at Transcona Golf Club with friends and former colleagues. Gerry’s golf skills did have something to be desired and he was known to go through a five-gallon pail of balls in a single season. Gerry was a big hockey fan, often attending his grandkids’ games and following the Winnipeg Jets. He was also a very handy guy, designing and building things including decks and additions at his own homes and cottage as well as for relatives and friends.     Gerry was a no-nonsense, loyal, extremely hardworking father, grandfather and friend and a dedicated partner to Carolyn, who he loved profusely, always. We will miss you, Gerry, Dad, Grandpa.   A Celebration of Gerry’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Silver Heights Restaurant, 2169 Portage Avenue.   In lieu of flowers please make donations to KidSport Manitoba or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com