Gerald Patrick "Tubby" AHERNE

1939 - 2021

AHERNE, Gerald Patrick "Tubby" February 8, 1939 - July 14, 2021 Gerald Patrick Aherne better known as "Tubby" passed away at the age of 82 on July 14, 2021 at Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton. Tubby was born in Alberta on February 8, 1939 and spent his early life in Long Branch, Toronto. Tubby leaves behind his wife of 10 years, Evelyn and her children, especially Michael who was close with Tubby. Tubby is survived by his remaining sibling, Brian Aherne and his wife Helena. Brian and Tubby were close friends as well as brothers throughout their entire lives. They spent their youth involved in lacrosse and hockey from their days playing at St. Michaels to old timers hockey, their bond remains strong. Tubby is predeceased by his twin sister Maureen (Peter), his sisters Martha (Don), Nora (Terry) and brother Joe. Tubby has many nieces who are fondly remembered; Debby, Cindy, Donna, and Josie. Tubby was married for 30 years to Carole Aherne (Stewart). He is survived by his two daughters, Catherine Aherne (Patrick) and Christine Aherne. Tubby greatly loved his grandchildren Noah, Abby, Oliva, Benjamin. Nothing but big smiles and laughs when grandpa Tubby was around. The grandchildren love to hear the stories of his time with the Marlies, the experiences with the Maple Leafs and his larger than life warmth and generosity. Tubby had too many friends to count and was loved by those who knew him from the North of Spain to the South and all over North America. In March of 1974, Gerry "Tubby" Aherne co-founded the Canadian Oldtimers Hockey Association. He took that success and launched his own business; Sports Holidays International, which took many players from many teams from around the world to play hockey. Tubby himself with his wit, warmth, humour and style turned this business into the success it was. He remains an important friend and figure to people from Puigcerdá to Malaga Spain, Finland, Florida and beyond as well as an important figure in hockey. He is forever memorialized in the NFB Documentary "Overtime" which aired on CBC, April 9, 1985. He was a bright light and it is hard to believe we won't hear his jokes or his infectious laugh again. As he liked to tell us all when asked "I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in." We will once again say "bye for now pops." You are free but never forgotten. You never liked to rest so it's move in peace Gerald Patrick Aherne, you are loved.