In Memory of

Gerald

Malcolm

"Gerry"

Lougheed

Sr.

Obituary for Gerald Malcolm "Gerry" Lougheed Sr.

Gerald Malcolm Lougheed Sr.
1929 - 2012

Gerry Lougheed Sr. was born on June 17th, 1929 in Staples Ontario outside of Windsor. His parents Blanche and Clifford Lougheed owned and operated a successful farm. At a young age Gerry was taught the value of hard and honest labour. This inspired work ethic would be a trademark of his intensity and passion to do tasks meticulously throughout his life. He married his childhood sweetheart Marguerite (nee McIntosh) in 1950. They began an incredible journey together as best friends, business partners and soulmates. Gerry had distinguished himself as the youngest honours graduate from the Canadian School of Embalming in 1949. He was appointed the manager of one of the Morris Funeral Home locations in Windsor at the age of 22. With a true entrepreneurial spirit he and Marguerite moved to Sudbury in 1952 opening Lougheed's Funeral Home and Flower Shop on November 1st of that year. Gerry Lougheed Sr. established the gold standard for funeral service with his attention to detail and commitment of care to bereaved families. He also established the local ambulance service. He was the first operator in Ontario to carry oxygen in the vehicles and required attendants to have accredited first aid courses. Later he would be knighted by the Governor General of Canada for these pioneering efforts. During this decade his two sons, Gerry Jr. and Geoffrey were born. He would be a devoted father, best friend and wise mentor to his boys their entire lives.
A recognized civic leader he helped many worthy causes in particular he served for many years on the Manitoulin/Sudbury Children's Foundation being instrumental in developing a "Send a Kid to Camp" program. The cornerstone of his community commitment was being a Rotarian. He served on numerous committees and executive positions including President of the Rotary Club of Sudbury 1964-1965 and District Governor in 1978-1979. Locally he was a founder of the Children's Rehabilitation Clinics to help disabled youngsters and globally he was instrumental in building a school and literacy programs in India. The Rotary motto is "Service Above Self". Gerry Lougheed Sr. on a daily basis translated those good words by his good deeds.
Beyond the company and the community Gerry's priority was his family whether attending a speech by one of his sons or traveling with his wife on a Rotary mission to South Africa he was happiest in their company. After Marguerite's last diagnosis with cancer he dedicated all his time to her wellbeing and happiness. Appropriately she died in his arms at their family home in the west end in 2006. The aftermath of her death combined with deteriorating health issues presented challenges for his autonomy these past years. With the daily dedicated care of his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Colette and assisted by extended family members and caregivers he was able to stay in the beloved family home on his own terms.
When his son Geoffrey was also knighted under the auspices of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem making Gerry Sr. and Geoffrey the only father/son Knights in Canada, a Lougheed crest was commissioned to commemorate that historic event. The motto on the crest is "Servire est vivere" (to serve is to live). Gerald M. Lougheed Sr. has by his service lived well and now hears the Lord's words; "Well done good and faithful servant, enter yours is the Kingdom of Heaven".

Sunday evening. December 16th, 2012 at his home with his loving family at his side.

Beloved husband of Marguerite (nee McIntosh) Lougheed predeceased 2006. Loving father of Gerry Jr. (Louise) and Geoffrey (wife Colette), predeceased by infant daughters Cynthia and Virginia. Mentor and friend to Karen Halverson. Cherished son of Blanche (Whittal) and Clifford Lougheed predeceased. Dear brother of Ronald (wife Helen). Special brother-in-law of Duane McIntosh (wife Eileen). Dear uncle of Tim and Pamela Lougheed, Tim and Michelle McIntosh and their families. Sadly missed by canine pals Gypsy and Gigi. Will be remembered by the extended family at Lougheeds.

A Celebration of Gerry’s Life
will be held in the
Marguerite Lougheed Community Centre,
328 Albert St. at Regent St.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
at 2 p.m.

Visitation at the Marguerite Lougheed Community Centre 4-8 p.m. Tuesday.
Friends may gather for the Service after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Donations to the Lougheed Foundation would be appreciated.