On October 12, 2021, Gerry McLarney of Edmonton died from ALS at the age of 74 with his family at his side. Gerry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Pauline; children, Brenda (John) Sowiak, Dr. Gerard (Tracy) McLarney, Claire (Jonathan) McLarney and Dr. Rosaleen (Brian) Boswell. Gerry will be sadly missed by his 16 grandchildren as well as his faithful hunting dogs, Monte and Rex. Gerry will be forever loved and missed by friends and family in Ireland and around the world.
Gerry was born in Longford, Ireland in 1946. He is predeceased by his infant sister, Anne; brother, Seamus and parents, Maureen and James.
At the age of 19, upon securing second place in his carpentry class (first was awarded a steady job), Gerry immigrated to Canada with a $200 dollar loan in his pocket and a permission note from his grandmother given he was considered a minor. Following brief stints in northern Canada, particularly Frobisher Bay, Gerry learned to play checkers and also after mastering the tricks of New World construction trades, he settled in Edmonton.
Here Gerry, now accompanied by his new, beloved and steadfast wife Pauline, would make his home. He promised their stay would be only two years before returning home to Cavan, Ireland. This rare underestimation was compensated by the birth of a lovely baby girl, Brenda, soon followed by the birth of both his son and his equally loved company, Breffni Construction, in 1979. The year following, the family settled in Grand Meadow Crescent where Gerry was building homes. The allure of the neighborhood and great neighbors proved long lasting indeed. Gerry and Pauline were soon blessed with another daughter, Claire, and last, but not least, Rosaleen.
Gerry peppered life with his peculiarities: he loved letting his red truck warm up for indefinite periods on cold winter mornings, would not suffer a crooked 2×4, failed to appreciate the utility of suspenders until late in life, and never let on that his first name was actually Michael. When not building homes, Gerry devoted himself to training dogs. Time spent with the Edmonton Pointing Dog Club brought great joy, a sense of accomplishment, and many lasting friendships.
You will be missed by many Gerry, none the least Monte and Rex. May you Rest In Peace.
A Funeral Mass for Gerry will be celebrated at St Theresa’s Catholic Church on Friday, October 15th, 2021 at 11 am and Live streamed. Due to the Covid restrictions a small gathering of family and friends will occur for the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gerry’s memory to the ALS Society of Alberta ( www.alsab.ca ).
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael “Gerry McLarney 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta