Gerald Stephen Woodward

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Gerald (Gerry) Stephen Woodward, at his home the morning of January 9, 2020.  Gerald was born May 4, 1936 in Lavenham, Manitoba; the 8th child born to Phillip and Gertrude Woodward.  He worked on the family farm and went on to work in Winnipeg driving truck for Weston Bakery and Crescent Creamery.  It was at Crescent Creamery that he met his future wife and mother of his children, Marcella Nona Reimer.  Gerald and Nona were married in Morris, Manitoba on May 28, 1958.  The couple moved to Transcona and welcomed sons Jeffrey and Devon into their lives in 1966 and 1967.  In 1974, they welcomed their daughter Glori Ann and the family moved to Elm Creek, Manitoba.  Gerry and Nona raised their family on a hobby farm west of town.  They enjoyed raising chickens, sheep, geese, cows and miniature ponies.  Gerry worked as head custodian at Elm Creek School for 22 years.  There he made many life-long friends and was admired by students, staff and community members.

Gerry enjoyed going to garage sales and auction sales with Nona, watching WWF Wrestling, camping, having coffee with friends and spending time with his wife and children.  Gerry retired in June 1996 and had started to enjoy more time with Nona.  Sadly, in November Gerry's wife, Nona passed away at their home.  He was heartbroken and spent many days with his dog Echo, playing and creating instruments, listening to old time music and watching wrestling.

 In 1997, Gerald began to go to old time dances and it was there that he met his new love, Shirley Urban. They dated and their love for one another grew.   Shirley moved from Calgary to Manitoba in the fall of 1998 and the couple remained on the hobby farm for seven years.  During this time, they enjoyed the farm animals, dancing, and fall suppers.  In 2005, Gerald and Shirley moved to Portage la Prairie and became part of the West End Dance group.  In the last couple of years, when he could no longer dance, he continued going to dances so he could visit with all of his friends.  Gerald and Shirley enjoyed their time together and were actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives. 

Gerry was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Marcella Nona Woodward; his parents, Phillip and Gertrude Woodward; brother and sister-in-law, Vic and Edna Woodward; infant brother Albert; brother and sister-in-law Clarence (Albert) and Lillian Woodward; sister and brother-in-law Florence and Earle Harland; brother-in-law Stan Catte; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Edith Woodward.   Left to cherish his memory are Gerald’s life partner, Shirley Urban; son Jeff Woodward (Rosa) their children Deanna, Kylee, Hilary and Jeff Jr; son Devon Woodward (Terri); Glori Ann Deurbrouck (Phil) and their children Jaylyn, Logan, Kasen and Sarah; Gerald’s sister Rosetta Catte; brother and sister-in-law Ern and Myrtle Woodward, special friend Dennis Catte (Ann) as well as numerous extended family.

A celebration of Gerald's life will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Elm Creek MB Community Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stars Air Ambulance in Gerald's memory.

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