Gerald STONE

STONE, Gerald Milton
Always remember,
Never forget,
I'll love you forever,
I'm so glad we met.
Gerald Milton Stone, the fifth child of Peter Stone and Thea Holmlund, was born on the family farm, close to what is now Gardiner Dam on March 18, 1924. He passed away at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, on July 18, 2012 at the grand age of 88 years and 4 months. He leaves happy memories with his wife Dorothy and five children, Grant (Sharon), Karen (David), Howard (Dani), Heather (Bernie), and Darryl; eight grandchildren, Catherine (Courtice); Lisa (Scott), Michelle, and Kendra; Brandon (his mother Charlene and sister Jadelyn); Charles (Stacey), Jayson (Laura), and Denille (Shane); step-grandchildren, Michelle, Barclay, and Bradley Ostermann; great- granddaughters, Mckynlie and Hadleigh; siblings, Georgie Rowbotham, Ruth Meshke, Marjorie Steen, Jim (Nora) Stone and Maureen O'Shea; sister-in-law Margaret Stone, and brother-in-law Garth (Beckie) Lear.
Close cousins remaining are Winona Taylor, Colleen Goossen, and Curtis, Eldon, Garry, and David Stone. Gerald was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Verna and Edna; brothers, Lloyd and Gordon; granddaughter Jennifer Smith; and brothers-in-law Bill Rowbotham, Mike Meshke, Gerald (Doc) O'Shea, Frank Wood, and Willis Steen. Gerald was a special uncle to his siblings' children, (Verna) Greg, Marcia, and Kathy; (Georgie) Will and Deborah; (Gordon) Barbara, Don, Barry, Lyle, and Brian; (Edna) Susan; (Ruth) Gerry, Geoffrey, Janice, and Jim; (Jim) Norine, Lindon, and Leah; (Maureen) Colleen, Lisa, Murray, and Bridget. Among many important people in his life, the family would especially like to thank Garry and Myrna Stone, Art Hauberg, Colin Bouchard, Elgin and Lillian Forster, and Wayne Guillet.
Gerald's schooling took place at the rural schools of Stafford and Wheat Plains. In 1955, he obtained his Journeyman papers as an electrician while he apprenticed under Leo Rowley at Elrose and Lloyd Holland at Craik. His electrician skills were put to work when he was hired by the SSRID as Watermaster. He spent many hours monitoring the irrigation canal, which allowed him to meet and visit with his farmer friends. After retirement, his years were spent working around the farm, while continuing to come up with fantastic ways of improvising. Gerald began baking bread and adapted his mother's brown bread recipe. He generously shared his bread with family and friends, and even took part in trading with neighbours for eggs, buns and burgers.
He was an avid cyclist and got a big kick out of going "canning" with his grandchildren when they were younger. Biking helped him manage the pain of an arthritic hip, and he was a common sight along Highways 219 and 44. He never went too far from home, but on a good day he would cover at least 20 kms. Gerald loved music and was known for whistling and singing wherever he went. He played many instruments including the piano, trumpet, saxophone and clarinet.
We will miss him so much. Pedal On…
Gerald has requested that there be no funeral service. In the fall, his family plan to have a gathering to celebrate his life. Family and friends will be notified of the date and venue at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for donations in memory of Gerald to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Ave N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Mourning Glory Funeral Services.