Gerrard "Gerry" Frank Verwey

With family by his side, Dad passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the Portage District General Hospital. He was 95 years of age.

Left to treasure his memory, son Mark (Elaine), daughters Cindy (Lyall Smith), and Tracy (Pat Blight), grandchildren Cam (Claudia), Andrea (Colin), Brodie (Kristina), Tanner (Nikki), and Lane, great-grandchildren Cale, Hadley, Maeve and Ken, also special nephew Dave Verwey.

Predeceased by his wife Donalda “Del” in 2014, parents Frank and Irene Verwey, sister Florence O’Neil, brothers John, Don, and Frank, in-laws Mary and Gordon Jack, Irvin Jack and Harvey Jack.

Dad was born October 28, 1930, and grew up “South of the River”, in rural Portage. He was the middle child of a farming family. At the age of 17, he started a lifelong career with C.F.B. Portage as a Civilian Carpenter. He furthered his education with courses to become a journeyman. All who worked with him said that he was a fair man and had a strong work ethic. Dad was a master of all trades with a high level of workmanship.

Dad met Mom at a country dance and the rest was history. They married in 1957, together they raised 3 children on an acreage south of Portage in the North Ridge District. Their unconditional love and devotion made for a solid foundation of family values. He was grounded and a man of few words but when he spoke, you listened. He and mom shared many common interests including dancing, riding snowmobiles and their motor bike. Sports was another love they shared. Early on, dad golfed but his favorite sport was ball. In his younger years he played with the Kinosota Cougars and C.F.B. teams as a fastball pitcher. It was a family tradition to go to tournaments, enjoy socializing, and camaraderie. Kitchen parties, board games and cards were a huge source of enjoyment for mom and dad. They loved sharing laughs with friends and family around the kitchen table. They also cherished time spent with their grandchildren and were their biggest fans.

Dad was a fair, kind, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Family meant everything to dad, from encouraging the love of sports to many building projects. Dad would say “If you’re going to do a job, do it right” … and he did.

Thank you to the staff of the Palliative Care unit at Portage District General Hospital. Your care and compassion were much appreciated.

To the staff at Lions Prairie Manor, thank you for everything you did for our dad these last 4 years. You all went over and above to keep dad healthy, happy, and comfortable.

At Dad’s request, cremation has taken place and a family memorial service will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations can be made to Portage Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.), or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com