Tribute

Lloyd Gerald (Gerry) Gorrie passed away peacefully at the age of 90, at Kinsmen Lodge, Surrey, B.C., on April 27, 2021.

Gerry was predeceased by his brothers Joel Gorrie and Neil Gorrie, his first wife Regina Gorrie (Yost), his second wife Paquerette (Peggy) Gorrie (Contre), his sister-in-law Gail Gorrie, his step-son Patrick Rozek, and his stepson-in-law Shawn Kelly.

He will be lovingly remember by his sisters-in-law Lillian Gorrie and Helen Yost, children Gregg Gorrie (Shaunne), Brett Gorrie (Eire), Glenna Partridge (Bob), Laureen Renfro (Kurt), grandchildren Jessica Mickleborough, Nicole Probst (Michael), and Justin Gorrie (Laura), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as his stepchildren John Rozek, Allan Rozek (Kathy), Judy Kelly, Christine Collins, Noreen Rozek (in-law), and all of their extended family of children and grandchildren.

Gerry was born on March 27, 1931 in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Ira Lloyd Gorrie and Geraldine Edythe Gorrie (O’Connor), where he grew up with younger brothers, Joel and Neil. His uncle Gordon Gorrie’s service in the RCAF piqued a lifelong interest in aircraft and WWII history. Gerry joined the Air Cadets in high school and attained his pilot’s licence, flying a Tigermoth as a member of the Regina Flying Club. After graduating, he began working for the CPR as a bellhop at their hotel in Lake Louise, then as a clerk, before joining Palm Dairies. In 1952, Gerry landed a job at Patron Oil, starting a thirteen-year career in the oil industry.

In 1953, Gerry married Regina (Reggie) Yost and they had their first son, Gregg, the following year. In 1955, they purchased their first house in Regina, and Gerry started work with Imperial Oil. The following year they had their second child, Brett. In 1959, his job required the family to relocate to Tisdale, and then in 1961 to North Battleford, Saskatchewan where their third child, Glenna, was born. In 1963, a new job with Pacific Petroleum entailed a move first to Lethbridge, then to Calgary, Alberta, where their fourth child, Laureen, was born (1964), and where the family would spend the next two decades.

In 1965, inspired by his uncle Leon, Gerry changed career paths and joined Confederation Life as an insurance agent, eventually becoming regional sales manager in 1970. He joined Crown Life in 1975, becoming sales manager in 1978. Gerry excelled in his new career, proactively taking courses to upgrade his level of expertise. This success offered him and Reggie opportunities to travel the world for sales conventions. In addition to his work life, Gerry also dedicated his time to more leisurely pursuits – family vacations, golfing, and sailing in his Laser on Glenmore reservoir.

In 1984, with all of their grown children now residing in the Lower Mainland in B.C., Gerry and Reggie relocated to the Ocean Park area of south Surrey. Gerry started Mariner Insurance Services Ltd., offering financial planning services to his clients. He had always been involved in community service organizations such as the Jaycees in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and he continued that tradition in B.C., joining the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Royal Canadian Legion, among others. For the next ten years, Gerry and Reggie enjoyed the west coast lifestyle and continued to spend time with family, and travel locally and abroad until 1995, when Reggie passed away from cancer. Gerry found solace in spending time with his family and many friends.

While out with some of his friends, Gerry met Paquerette (Peggy) Rozek at the Crescent Beach Legion. Their shared love of music and dancing brought them together, and they were married in 1996. Gerry’s new extended family included Peggy’s five children, and their spouses, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren. Gerry continued his financial services business, though at a slower pace, and he and Peggy took many trips with friends and family. He also rekindled his Catholic faith, joined the Knights of Columbus, and eventually became a Grand Knight district deputy. Gerry and Peggy hosted many family gatherings throughout the years where their blended family got to know one another. In 2014, Peggy passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Shortly after Peggy’s passing, Gerry moved into Whitecliff Retirement Residence, and then The Residence at Morgan Heights, before settling into Kinsmen Lodge in Surrey for the final five years of his life. He actively participated in everything they had to offer – outings, music (listening and performing), dancing, painting, drawing, church services, and other social events. The staff and management of Kinsmen Lodge were amazing, and offered Gerry and his family unparalleled love and support right up until his passing on April 27, 2021.

Due to COVID-19 health regulations, a very small funeral mass was held at St. Bernadette Parish, followed by an interment at Gardens of Gethsemani, on May 3, 2021.

The family plans to have a large celebration of life for Gerry, to be announced once restrictions are lifted. If you are interested in attending, please leave a note in the “Send Condolence” section.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kinsmen Lodge, Surrey or the St. Bernadette Parish.