Obituary of Gerald English
Gerald English, of Placentia NL, having put up a valiant fight, passed peacefully away at Placentia Health Care Centre on April 28, 2018 at the age of 85, surrounded by his family.
Pre deceased by his parents Philomena and James, twin sister Peggy (Pat, deceased), and grandson James, Gerald leaves to mourn: his loving wife of 55 years, Mae; his children Bill (Laurena), Allan (Wanda), Geraldine (Steve) and Alice (Paul); twelve grandchildren: Alanna, Kim (Anil), Emily, Matthew, Laura, Katie, Heather, Ellie, Melanie, Evelyn, Andrew, and Claire; great-grandson Milton; his brother Mike (Barb, deceased); very special neighbour and friend, Brendan, and kind neighbours and friends the Ward Family; as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Flowers gratefully accepted. Resting at Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia on Sunday and Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00. Funeral Mass to take place on Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church, Placentia AT 10:30 a.,m, with cremation to follow. Inurnment in Coombs Memorial Cemetery at a time to be given later.
Gerald, originally from Branch, St. Mary’s Bay, will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his quick, often razor sharp, wit, and his love of a good story, both of which were often enhanced by his masterful use of colourful language. He spent many years as a mechanic and service station owner in Placentia. He will forever be remembered by the school children of the Placentia area as the gruff, loveable bus driver who tolerated no foolishness on his bus, but had a soft heart for many he deemed to be ‘characters’. No description of Gerald’s life could be complete without mention of his fondest pastime: his garden. From the days of acres of vegetable gardens and hay fields in Branch, to his backyard vegetable garden in Placentia, Gerald had a love of cultivating the earth. No Sunday dinner was ever complete without a head of Gerald’s own cabbage and a pot full of vegetables. He’d share what he had with any who asked, but whoa to the person who tried to assume they could help themselves to the fruits of Gerald’s labours without his permission! Gerald was the sort of man who would literally ‘give you the shirt off his back’. His door was always open for a cup of tea, a beer, or a glass of rum, as the time of day dictated. This generosity extended in no small part to his children, who growing up, could always count on him for a ride anywhere, or a ‘loan’ of $5, which he’d always round up to $20. He was, himself, a character, and his larger than life personality will be missed by all who were graced to know him.
Gerald’s family owes a debt of gratitude to the staff at Placentia Health Care Centre. Dr. Mangat’s care was exemplary and the care provided by the nurses and LPNs can truly be described as ‘above and beyond’. Every staff member from heath care to kitchen to housekeeping, were kind and courteous, providing care and comfort, not just to Gerald, but to his entire family, who will be forever grateful.