Obituary of Gerald Springer
Gerald D. Springer, 92, of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully at home November 6, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. Born July 6, 1926 in Weyburn, SK, to Lillian and John Springer, Gerald was the youngest of 3 brothers. He was active in his youth, joining the Boy Scouts and achieving King Scout, as well as swimming competitively as a teen. He left high school early to enlist in the navy during WW2, and was stationed “overseas in Halifax”, to coin a phrase one of his many friends joked about. Returning home after being discharged at the end of the war, he eventually went to work at the Saskatchewan Training School in Weyburn. On November 14, 1950, he went on a blind date with a young nurse, Berniece Parchman, and thus began a 68-year love affair that endured until his passing. Much to the dismay of his new parents-in-law, who wanted a traditional wedding for their daughter, Gerald eloped with Berniece on October 9, 1953, then in 1955, the couple moved to Moose Jaw to work at the newly constructed Saskatchewan Training School (later renamed Valley View Centre). Wanting to start a family, in 1960 they adopted a son, followed by a daughter in 1962, and were later surprised by Berniece’s pregnancy with a second son born in 1965. Gerald worked hard at advancing his career through education to move up the ranks of the Department of Social Services, retiring from Valley View in 1984 after almost 37 years. Throughout his life, Gerald was a dedicated husband and father, spending summers taking his family camping on many trips through Canada and the United States. After his retirement, he spent more time travelling with Berniece, “wintering” in Florida and California for several years, but always enjoying his time at home, working around the house, in his workshop, and especially in his yard and garden. He and Berniece made a wonderful home that many family and friends enjoyed visiting, hosting huge family Christmas celebrations and many birthday parties. Later in life, Gerald once again pursued his love of swimming, competing and medaling in the provincial Seniors Games, as well as his passion for music, playing the banjo with two ‘old time’ bands that entertained at seniors homes around Moose Jaw. Gerald was predeceased by his mother, Lillian, his father, John; brothers Glen and Gordon; parents-in-law Nora and Herman Parchman; brothers-in-law Bryce Parchman and Robert Klockow; and sister-in-law Joanne Parchman. He is survived by his wife Berniece (nee Parchman); son Douglas, and children Adam, Alyssa, and Kiefer, and Adam’s daughter Ava; daughter Sharon (Greg Roller) and children Kristen, Kale, and Brett, and Kristen’s son Luca; son David (Shaneen Cooper); sisters-in-law Ellen (Glen), Elta (Gordon), Shirley Klockow, and Irene Kerr; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm, at Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga Street West, Moose Jaw. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Gerald’s name. In living memory of Gerald, a memorial tree planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please see our online book of condolences at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca and www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Blair Scott, Funeral Director.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gerald
Springer 1926 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Moose-Jaw, Province: Saskatchewan