Gerald Joseph ROONEY

ROONEY, Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Joseph
December 24, 1926 - September 3, 2017
Gerry was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan December 24, 1926 to Edward and Margaret (nee Mooney) Rooney. At the age of 17 Gerry boarded the train and travelled across the country to study at the University of Toronto. He graduated in 1948 from the College of Optometry of Ontario.
In 1950, Muriel George entered Gerry's life "He met her at the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) on a Sunday night" in Ottawa. They were married April 14, 1951. Theirs was a marriage not only unique in longevity but also in the depth and breadth of their love and devotion, an example and inspiration to all lives they touched.
Gerry practiced Optometry in Ottawa and Renfrew, Ontario for 10 years. In 1958, during the throes of a frigid January winter, Gerry headed west with Muriel and 4 young children to Humboldt, Saskatchewan. The blessings kept coming with 3 more daughters completing the Rooney family - 7 children in 10 years. Humboldt was home until 2002 when Gerry and Muriel moved to Calgary.
Gerry established a modern optometric practice, providing care to Humboldt and the surrounding rural area. His respect, kindness, and professionalism was met with patient loyalty for decades. Serving several years on the provincial executive, Gerry also acted as President of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists.
Gerry was a faithful servant to his community and church. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Lions Club, member of the first Recreation Board of the Town of Humboldt and served on the Carlton Trail Community College Board of Directors. He coached and managed numerous minor ball and hockey teams. Gerry was a member of the Humboldt Separate School Board and President of St. Dominic Home and School Association. Gerry was a Lector in the church for more than 40 years, served on the parish council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Gerry was instrumental in founding the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Amateur Junior Hockey League. He served as General Manager, and various other roles, for many years. A man with integrity like no other, Gerry influenced the lives of countless young men through hockey.
His unwavering display of morality, judgement, and compassion was often identified and honoured by his peers. Gerry was appointed by the Government of Saskatchewan, Department of Culture and Youth, to the Saskatchewan Hockey Task Force with the mandate to investigate all aspects of hockey in Saskatchewan in 1974. For his lifetime commitment and contribution to hockey in Saskatchewan, he was inducted into the SJHL Hall of Fame in 2010 and in 2015 inducted into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame.
Gerry had a passion for life. He was the epitome of a gentleman. Gerry was a storyteller - his character, wit, and charm endeared friends and family. His intelligence and love of reading created a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Gerry and Muriel's connection was effortlessly communicated through their full and happy home. Their dynamic relationship spanned world travels, games of golf and bridge, and their love of spirited conversation.
Gerry's greatest love was his family. His parents, Muriel, his wife of 66 years, his seven children and their spouses, eighteen grandchildren and spouses, and two great-grandchildren. Gerry 'Papa' Rooney was a selfless man who imbued all those who knew him with an understanding of what it means to live a life of integrity, passion and love; his wealth in life is reflected in the survival of these traits in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gerry is survived by his children, Maureen Rooney (Ted Weins) of Regina, SK, Patrick Rooney (Susan Burke) of London, England, John Rooney (Susan Mitchell) of Edmonton AB, Jane Rooney (Brian Kot) of Calgary, AB, MaryAnn Rooney (Doug Thomas) of Regina, SK, Donna Rooney (Gary Cronin) of Calgary, AB, Colleen Rooney (Jeff Kohnen) of Melville, SK; grandchildren, Laura Weins (Logan Tufts), Andrea Weins (Landon Heron); Conor, Jennifer, and Caitlin Rooney; Leah and Brett Rooney; James Kot (Beatrice Ilg), Stephanie Kot and Julia Rooney Kot; John Thomas (Andrea), Amy Thomas (Lawson Spruiell), David Thomas; Rachel, Liam, and Bridget Cronin; Stewart and Sarah Jane Kohnen; great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Jackson Thomas; sisters-in-law, Martha Rooney and Edie George and many nephews and nieces.
Gerry was predeceased by his parents Edward (1958) and Margaret (1962); brother, Ned; sisters, Marion MacDonald and Kathleen Moore as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
As a lasting legacy for his family, Gerry chronicled his life in an autobiography, Life in the Twentieth Century (Muenster: St. Peter's Press, 1998).
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony's Catholic Church (5340 - 4th Street S.W.) on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Graveside Service following the reception at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes for masses or to a charity of the donor's choosing would be appreciated.
In living memory of Gerald Rooney, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park