Gerard Lovis

Gerard Lovis, age 52, born August 27th 1957 and lifetime resident of Thunder Bay passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, June 11, 2010. Gerard was born in Fort William and attended St. Patrick's and Churchill High school. He graduated from Confederation College with a diploma in Heavy Equipment Repairs and for many years he worked at Strongco Equipment and most recently Wajax Equipment as their service manager. As with everything else in his life he brought joy and happiness to his co-workers and was known to always have a smile on his face. Gerard was an avid outdoorsman, spending as much time as he could fishing and hunting. Growing up he would walk down to the Neebing River to fish for Rainbow Trout with his friends before and after school and for much of his life thoroughly enjoyed fishing the lakes of Northwestern Ontario, particularly Dog Lake where he maintained his "summer home". He spent many years with his family at Dog Lake Resort and his summers were spent there with his many friends and family. It was his favorite place to relax, kick back, and enjoy a warm summer day. He also liked to golf and took part in regular golf tournaments where, true to form, he could always be counted on to make a clutch shot when his team and friends needed him most. Gerard took every opportunity to revel in the company of his friends, laughing and enjoying life, be it in a fishing boat, golf course or hunting trip. He was a genuine lover of nature and relished long walks in the bush with his beautiful Black Lab and trusted friend Jackson. In the wintertime he played hockey twice a week and could always be counted on to go for a "cold one' with the guys afterwards at the DaVinci. He was also an avid curler and loved playing in the men's league and participating in the Superbowl Bonspiel. He loved football and his vaunted Chicago Bears but even more so loved hockey and was likely the biggest Chicago Blackhawks fan in Thunder Bay. He spent the last two months watching his favorite sports team win the Stanley Cup and their victory brought him great joy. A dedicated family man he leaves behind the two greatest joys of his life and for which he was most proud of, his daughters Katie and Erin. Recently he attended their convocation and was filled with pride as they accepted their university degrees, Katie from Nursing and Erin with an Honours B.Sc in Psychology. He also leaves behind his loving mother Lelia Lovis, who lived just five doors away and together enjoyed regular Saturday morning coffee. He also leaves behind his 5 siblings. Sisters; Loretta Fonso and life partner Steve Pielka (his curling partner), Donna Nickerson and husband Rob, Elaine Graydon, Annette Raynak and husband Joe, (his hockey buddy) and brother and golf partner Larry and his life partner Teri Gyemi. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews; Steve Fonso (Lea), Leanne Fonso, Shawn and Andrea Nickerson, Cale and Lauren Graydon, Nolan, Matthew and Michael Raynak, Erik and Hayley Lovis. Great nieces and nephew Maiah, Logan and Hannah Fonso. He is predeceased by his father, friend and confidante Romeo Lovis. He will also be missed by countless friends and relatives of whom he thought so highly of and cherished greatly. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 when family and friends will gather for the Funeral Mass in St. Agnes Church at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. James Panikulam followed by a reception at the DaVinci. Interment will follow at a later date. Vigil Prayers will be offered on Monday, evening at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Agnes' Church. If friends desire, memorials to the Search and Rescue or Ducks Unlimited would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. As everyone that Gerard knew will attest, he was definitely a "glass is half full" kind of guy and was always with a smile on his face. He exuded enthusiasm and exemplified the importance of participation regardless of the activity for the mere joy of it. Our city, and our world is poorer for his passing, but so much richer for the time he spent touching us all with his warm, open heart and always willing to lend a helping hand. His example on how to live life with courage, grace and cheerfulness is an inspiration to us all. "If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend. That would be giving as the angels give". To this, Gerard Lovis was truly a master. A tree will be planted in memory of Gerard Lovis in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2011. On-line Condolencesmay be sent towww.blakefuneralchapel.com "