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Gerald F.X. McAULIFFE

1939 - 2020

BORN

1939

DIED

2020

Gerald McAULIFFE Obituary

Died on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the age of 81, peacefully at home in Burlington surrounded by family following a valiant fight against several cancers. Dearly loved and now missed by Bonnie, his wife and soulmate of 58 years and his children, Michael, Christopher (Susan) and Shawna. His greatest joy was as "Poppa" to granddaughters Lauren and Natalie French and as "Papa" to Azlan and Kinza McAuliffe. His extended family included the Wilkins, Boyd and Groom families. Born as a twin on Friday, January 13, 1939 along with his brother Brian. He is survived by his sister, Sister Angela McAuliffe (IBVM), brothers Kieran, Denis, Sean, Patrick, Conor and their respective partners. Predeceased by brother Terence. While he lacked any formal education, he became an award-winning investigative journalist in print, television and radio. Particularly passionate about investigating injustices and exposing police misconduct, his writing and reporting provoked many public inquiries and policy changes. He was wonderfully supported over the past few years by excellent medical teams in Hamilton led by Dr. Labib Abouzahr, Dr. Clive Davis and Dr. Tracey McCarty. Heartfelt support also came from his church families, especially at Our Saviour The Redeemer Church, Stoney Creek with Rev. Bahman Kalantari and his wife Tricia. In accordance with the times, no public service is planned. It was Gerry's parting wish that in his memory and in lieu of donations you perform acts of kindness and caring towards others and those in need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Hamilton Spectator on Nov. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald McAULIFFE

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28 Entries

kinza mcauliffe

December 6, 2024

i am gerry's granddaughter and my fav memory with him is when we had christmas together each and every year and he would always have a smile on his face! And of course he would have a big peice of my grandma's cherry pie. Love and miss you papa

kinza mcauliffe

December 6, 2024

I am Gerry's granddaughter and my favorite memories with him is when we would have Christmas time together and he would always have a smile on his face and be laughing like crazy! He would also be enjoying a big peice of cherry pie. Love you papa.

John Hus

April 11, 2021

I worked with Gerry at his I believe was his first job as a reporter at the Sarnia Observer, Sarnia Ontario. 1956-60 area.
John Hus, Sarnia, Ontario.

Peg Groom

November 25, 2020

Gerry was truly one of a kind and he needed a one of a kind wife, which he had in Bonnie. Over the past 40 plus years we have shared so many laughs, tears, more laughs, fascinating stories which were funnier and more interesting each time, summer trips around Ontario going to live theatre, wonderful food, Bonnie's famous desserts, the ups and downs of our families, realizing we were all blessed and numerous dinners with our close friends, which my daughter called the fabulous six. The hole he has left is gigantic and future dinners will always include roast potatoes on behalf of our beloved friend. To our daughter and grandchildren Bonnie and Gerry were aunt and uncle in every way and thankfully we have a recording of his hilarious and yet very moving toastmaster skills at our daughter's wedding. Oh dear Gerry all those who truly knew you could not help but love you and the Groom family extra loved you and Bonnie. It was an honor that you both considered us as family. As they say you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten and I have all the pictures to prove it.. In time we will share these pictures and all the wonderful memories and laughs they hold. May God always bless you dear friend on your new journey.

Gerald Seniuk

November 23, 2020

Dear Bonnie and Family,
Jeralyn and I offer you our condolences. Gerry was a vital man whose intelligence and zest for truth energized his investigative journalism and inspired his colleagues. He and Bonnie were fun to be around, and warmly welcomed us when we moved to Toronto and I joined the Globe and Mail’s investigative team. Gerry and I shared an office and worked together on some large projects, so I formed a close bond with him in the few years we were colleagues. As much as I remember Gerry as a journalist, I remember him as a loving and devoted husband and proud father, who was regularly on the phone checking in with Bonnie. He will be missed but not forgotten. Gerald Seniuk

Chrissy Marchesich(Groom)

November 20, 2020

Our family will miss uncle Gerry more than i can say. He never failed to entertain us with stories and always made us laugh. I have so many memories that I will charish forever and I am greatful you were my extended family

Bob Beaty

November 7, 2020

It was a privilege to know Gerry and my condolences to Bonnie and family. He was a fine human being, a great credit to his craft and because of both he won't be forgotten.

Eleanor Adam (Fairley)

November 6, 2020

I was saddened to learn of your incredible loss. I respected Gerry for his courage, compassion and zest for life. He was a thoughtful and determined journalist and a wonderful dad to Michael, Christopher, and Shawna. I remember the great time I had babysitting the kids while I was teaching at Martin Street giving you and Gerry time for a much needed holiday. Please know I have thought of you often over the years and know that Gerry’s legacy for seeking the truth, love of family and friends and honesty will live on in you.

Roy and Glynis Maxwell

November 5, 2020

Gerry was a fine and kind man, a brilliant investigative journalist, and someone who was always fascinating to spend time with. I worked with him at CBC Radio.

I will miss bumping into Gerry and Bonnie at our local Burlington grocery store where we always enjoyed a good chat.

Condolences to you, Bonnie, and your family.

Kathleen Keating

November 4, 2020

Bonnie, I met Gerry in 1967 when I joined the Spec newsroom, still a teenager. For the next couple of years he took me under his wing and taught me so much. He never condescended. He took his work seriously but never himself. Those were such fun days, and my memories of Gerry remain vivid. I remember being in your home in those days too -- I admired you two so much, as a couple. Years later we met again when Gerry was here in Vancouver on the Air India story and we had a fun night out -- just as if years had not gone by. I also had the pleasure of meeting Michael when he was in Vancouver with the CBC, and I was able to catch up on your family news. You and Gerry built such a life together. As someone said to me when my husband died, there is only one way out of a good marriage and you have done him the great favour of surviving him. I wish you and your family the very best.

Bill Terhljan

November 4, 2020

Bonnie, as I planted memorial trees I remember back to our times together at HGH while he had his breathing tests. Over my 36 years there are only a few patients that have a special connection in my heart and that was Gerry but also you! (as Clive previous mentioned). Gerry had such a joyful personality and positive outlook. However I also loved talking with you too. You made such a great couple. I have never seen 2 people so connected to each other! I so enjoyed the time together and was so glad you could make it to Clive's 2 surprise parties! Gery was a special person and I my deepest sympathy to you during this time. After so many years together there will be a void but as Oprah says 'when someone passes there is an angel you know looking after us', so know that Gerry is still looking out for you! May you find comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely Bill

Tom and Meralee Beckett

November 3, 2020

Gerry’s passing saddens me. I was proud to consider him a friend. He was quite a remarkable man.

Bill Trbovich

November 3, 2020

My sincere condolences to Bonnie and the family. This is extremely sad news. I had the pleasure of working with Gerry at CBC Radio. He was a tenacious reporter, very willing to give you the benefit of his experience if asked. I learned a great deal from him. Rest In Peace old friend .

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

BILL TERHLJAN

Planted Trees

Laura Lynch

November 2, 2020

I am so sorry Bonnie, Michael and the rest of Gerry's loving family. He was such a great journalist and wonderful person to work at the CBC. An inspiration for so many of us.

Sandra Bartlett

November 2, 2020

A fearless journalist who was talked about with awe by generations of journalists who came after. I met Gerry through his son Michael who followed in his journalistic footsteps. A few years ago I spent time with Gerry and Bonnie in Burlington and we talked about journalism.

Clive

November 2, 2020

Two peas in a pod who lived a 20 year miracle doing it their way and an honour to have helped make it happen!

Conor McAuliffe

November 2, 2020

A brother who will be missed
Wise, often the life of the party and a good sense of humor.
Condolences to Bonnie & family

Conor & Susan McAuliffe

Rosemarie Boyle

November 2, 2020

Michael, Bonnie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Gerry was a pro in every way and an inspirational colleague. Also a friend who was so much fun to be around.
Rosemarie Boyle and Jeff Sallot

Audrey and Vladimir Bajic

November 2, 2020

It was such a pleasure to get to know Shawna’s parents. Sometimes we are blessed to connect with special people, and Gerry McAuliffe was one of these. Love and prayers from Audrey and Vladimir Bajic of Windsor.

Michael P. Maciuk

November 2, 2020

Dear Bonnie and Family:

Firstly, please accept my heartfelt condolences, words cannot begin to express the sadness you are feeling right now, God rest his soul.

I have known and worked with Gerry over three decades ago when he worked for CBC and later with the Province of Ontario, Management Board of Cabinet Office. Gerry was honest, sincere, tenacious and a first rate journalist. He was a kind, dedicated and always wanted to right a wrong. Gerry will be truly missed!

Brian McAuliffe

November 2, 2020

a brother ... a twin ... is ... and will be ... sorely missed. My wife Orchid's and my condolences ,,, and thoughts and prayers ... are shared with his loving family

Brian and Orchid McAuliffe

November 2, 2020

a brother ... and a twin ... who is and will be sorely missed. My wife Orchid's and my condolences and prayers go out to his loving family in this moment

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Brian McAuliffe

Planted Trees

Beth Napper

November 2, 2020

Sincere condolences Bonnie and family. I will always remember the McAuliffe and Armstrong gatherings.
Beth (Armstrong) Napper

Joanne Marshall

November 2, 2020

It was such a privilege to have known him. His keen interest in current events and discussions will be missed. To Bonnie and family we are so sorry for your loss. He will be kept in our hearts forever. Bob and Joanne

Greg Mary Boyd

November 2, 2020

To Our extended Family .... our hearts break long with yours at the loss of a wonderful person...a father to us in so many ways. Mary and I think of you and Father Gerald as our second parents and will always cherish his wisdom, his devotion, his smile, his humour. Of course his political views but most of all his wide arms for those he loved!
What he has left us is a knowledge that life’s challenges can be overcome, if we embrace those that embrace us!
Growing up in your arms mother made his all the more embracing and the memories are many. Mary and I will always remember with humour and love the speech he gave at our wedding. In remembering father we can only say to everyone is that we love him like the family we all are!

Love Mary, Greg , Angela, Brandi and all of the Belle River Boyd Family.

Kris

November 2, 2020

Gerald was a shining light, a constant presence of positivity, you could see his smile over the phone. He spoke of love and admiration for his wife, Bonnie and family. Gerald was very proud of his children and grandchildren. His sense of humor, everyone will miss that!

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Memorial Events
for Gerald McAULIFFE

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