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Paul Gerth Obituary
GERTH, Paul Anthony September 20,1951 - July 29, 2010 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul, 10 short weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Paul passed away peacefully on a beautiful summer morning with his wife and children by his side. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife and soul mate of 38 years, and high school sweetheart Margaret, and their adored children Heather (Owen) and David (Jennifer). Also mourning his loss are his mother Kathleen McLennan (Bruce), sisters Marguerite McGregor (Don) and Cathy; brother Graham (Tricia), parents-in-law Audrey & Vincent Harper, sister-in-law Mary Winn (Ian) and many nieces and nephews. Paul was born in Nottingham, England and moved to Canada in 1956. He resided in Quebec until moving to Surrey, BC in 1966. He graduated from Q.E. High school in 1969. Paul & Margaret married in 1972 and resided in Surrey until moving to their home with a view in Delta in 2002. Paul received a diploma of technology from BCIT and worked for BC Tel (Telus) for 35 years, retiring in 2009. Many of his colleagues became good friends and he loved to talk about his recent work in the Maritimes installing computer networks. His many visitors during his brief illness emphasized how he was thought of - loyal friend, mentor and good family man. Paul loved the outdoors and enjoyed sailing and hiking, having trekked the west coast trail 5 times. Burns Bog was a favourite spot to spend time with Abbie, our lab. Paul was truly a gentle giant who put others before himself.. He was a life-long blood donor, and even in his passing, several people will receive the gift of sight. In his last weeks his only concern was for family and friends, and he told everyone what a wonderful life I've had. Paul's warmth, integrity, generous spirit and especially his big bear hugs will be missed by all who knew him. There will be a gathering of remembrance on Sunday, August 29 from 12 - 4 at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, 3811 Point Grey Road, Vancouver. RSVP [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Delta Hospice, which gave Paul and his family such peace during his last week, would be greatly appreciated, (deltahospice.org).
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36 Entries
XMas party -2006
Denis Harrison
August 30, 2010
At his desk
Denis Harrison
August 30, 2010
Near loading dock
Denis Harrison
August 30, 2010
Summer BBQ at 7000 Lougheed
Denis Harrison
August 30, 2010
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Fixing one more problem...
Denis Harrison
August 30, 2010
August 28, 2010
Margaret, Heather and David, just before I left for China, I dropped by and saw Paul and he was in good spirits. I could not believe that news that he had passed away while I was over there. I am still in a state of disbelief. From all of the Coopers our hearts go out to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Graham and Olwen (Langley)
Jo and Peter Koehler
August 23, 2010
Words just don't seem to do justice for how Jo and I feel. Marg we send you our love and please know that you, Heather and David are in our prayers. I will miss my freind and the many light and deep conversations we had over his tea and my coffee.
Steve and Carolyn Usher
August 15, 2010
We have just returned today and learned that Paul has too quickly gone on to the next adventure. Oh Margaret.... if it hurts mere neighbours so much to lose our gentle giant, how so for you and the kids ...well, that is the measure of the man, to touch the hearts of so many so easily. Just weeks ago we sat and talked about the next adventure or the peaceful sleep ...all theories to toss around as Paul loved to do ...and now he knows the answer.
Heather Andruski
August 10, 2010
Dear Margaret and Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul's recent passing. In the short time that I knew Paul, I saw his kind gentle nature, bravery, and sense of humor. I really valued the fragile time that the 3 of us shared together at RCH. You all are so fortunate to have been blessed with such a wonderful man in your lives! And Margaret...your strength was immeasurable as you stood by Paul's side as he fought for his life and the chance to spend many more years together with you and your family. I can only imagine your pain and regret. You were both so fortunate to have found each other so many years ago. I’m confident that the impact of your unity and love will influence many others for years to come. I am so blessed to have met both of you.
With deepest sympathy,
Heather Andruski
(Paul’s RCH room mate in the “holding pen”)
Ted and Heather Stone
August 10, 2010
Dear Margaret and Family,
We will always remember Paul taking photos at our parties. He was our friendly giant. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!
Roger Lange
August 9, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
I had the pleasure of working with Paul at Telus, I found his smile and demeanor brightened the day. He will be missed.
December, 2004.
Andy & Eva Burr
August 9, 2010
We are so very, very sorry for your loss.
There are many things that could be said but we will just say that it was a pleasure to have known Paul.
Don and Bente Gibbard
August 7, 2010
Paul was taken way to soon. With his vitality and love of life, he should have lived much longer. His love for Margaret, David and Heather, was evident every time he spoke of them. He was a good friend and neighbour. We shall miss his cheerful "Hi neighbour" and chats on the front lawn. Love and hugs to his family.
We will miss you, Paul
Steve and Sally van Ingen
August 6, 2010
Our condolences to Marg,Heather, David and Family. We will always have fond memories of Paul. Paul made coming in to work each day alot more enjoyable. His quick wit and warped sense of humour always brought smiles to peoples faces. He was always there to help people and genuinely cared about how you were doing. When we remember him we will always see that giant of a man with that big infectious grin that would light up a room. Marg, Heather and David, he was so proud of all of you, I feel I know you quite well from all the stories he told about how you were doing in your everyday lives.
Paul we will miss you so much, you added so much happiness to so many lives.
Bob Wiles
August 5, 2010
I hadn't seen Paul in a few years and was stunned when informed by Angela R. I expect to be at the remembrance for one of the great ones.
August 4, 2010
Our Hearts go out to Margaret, David, Heather, their family and friends. Paul was a great man and will always be remembered; there are so many incredible memories of him and every one of them makes you smile.
Darren, Sandra, Nicole and Tyler
Telus 2004 Galla
Darren
August 4, 2010
August 4, 2010
Our Hearts go out to Margaret, David, Heather, their family and friends. Paul was a great man and will always be remembered; there are so many incredible memories of him and every one of them makes you smile.
Darren, Sandra, Nicole and Tyler
August 4, 2010
Our sincere sympathy to Margaret, Heather and David on the loss of a wonderful husband and father. We will remember Paul for his quick smile, sense of humour and kind words.
Rosemary & Hugh McNeill
August 4, 2010
Deepest condolences to Margaret, David, Heather, and all the family. Such a sad sad time. Paul was such a good and gentle man. He will be missed terribly by all his family and friends especially by his best friend Margaret. We shall miss the stories of all his adventures.Our thougths are with you all.
Patricia & Roger Troxler
In Loving Memory
Lance and Lili Smith
August 4, 2010
There are so few people in life these days that have the ability to touch and enlighten so many lives such as Paul has done. Paul was a friend, leader teacher and a mentor to all, he always had time and would make time for you, know matter what the question was or how complex the problem may be. Paul always inspired you to be and to do your best, and would guide you to that end.
Paul was the embodiment of what it meant to be a loving husband, father and friend, and will be missed by so many people. He had an unquestionable love for life and especially his sole mate and love of his life Margaret and his two wonderful children Heather and David.
Even as friends we are all overcome with emotions with Paul's passing, so one can only imagine the feelings and loss that his family must feel. Paul will be so sorely missed by all of us.
From the off the cuff comments he loved to make just to get a rise out of you, and his smirkish look he would give you when you looked back at him, to the insightful commentary he would add to any discussion.
Paul was always the piece maker, in any matter that required mediation, Paul was right there and would always try to find peaceful and respectful compromises for everyone involved.
We miss you so much “Tall Paul”, and you will forever be in our hearts and minds.
August 4, 2010
Our deepest condolences to Margaret, Heather and David.
Paul was the nicest of men, kind and thoughtful. It was truly a pleasure to have known him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Bob and Jennifer Hepburn
Lance and Lili Smith
August 4, 2010
There are so few people in life these days that have the ability to touch and enlighten so many lives such as Paul has done. Paul was a friend, leader teacher and a mentor to all, he always had time and would make time for you, know matter what the question was or how complex the problem may be. Paul always inspired you to be and to do your best, and would guide you to that end.
Paul was the embodiment of what it meant to be a loving husband, father and friend, and will be missed by so many people. He had an unquestionable love for life and especially his sole mate and love of his life Margaret and his two wonderful children Heather and David.
Even as friends we are all overcome with emotions with Paul's passing, so one can only imagine the feelings and loss that his family must feel. Paul will be so sorely missed by all of us.
From the off the cuff comments he loved to make just to get a rise out of you, and his smirkish look he would give you when you looked back at him, to the insightful commentary he would add to any discussion.
Paul was always the piece maker, in any matter that required mediation, Paul was right there and would always try to find peaceful and respectful compromises for everyone involved.
We miss you so much “Tall Paul”, and you will forever be in our hearts and minds.
August 4, 2010
Terry and I will certainly miss Paul, especially at our Canada Day Soiree, which he loved coming to. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our love and heartfelt sympathy goes out to Margaret and family.
Lots of love, Marg and Terry Little
Maggie Chapman
August 4, 2010
Dear Marg and all your family - our hearts go out to you. Johnny will dearly miss his chats with Paul about their B.Tel days and both of us will miss the times we shared when socializing together. I know he will continue to look after his family, he was a very devoted husband and father and a very giving, generous soul. Be at peace Paul.
Johnny & Maggie Chapman
Chany Chan
August 4, 2010
My condolences to Paul's family on his passing. I've had the honour of working with Paul at TELUS, and we will all miss him and his knowledge and humour. Peace be with you, Paul.
August 4, 2010
Although we only met briefly during Bonnie's stay at SMH, our entire family sends our most heartfelt condolences to you at this most difficult time. Paul's kindness and caring were evident even to our family. Our prayers are with you.
Dan Buchanan & Family
Gordon Watts
August 4, 2010
My most sincere condolences go to Paul's family. I worked with Paul for several years at BC Tel. He will be missed by his BCT 'family'.
August 4, 2010
We will remember Paul with lots of love, joy & a touch of sadness. He has left us far too soon. Peter & Joan Huryn
jackie tarabas
August 4, 2010
We will miss you greatly and are deeply saddened by your passing. With Love on your journey. Jackie, Dan and Family
To Margaret, Heather and David and respective families, our deepest condolences
Darlene Merlyn
August 4, 2010
I met Paul in the late 80's when we were both training to become Certified Novell Engineers. He was, quite definitely, the most brilliant person I knew relating to anything "geeky". Over the years, he constantly gave me encouragement in my career in IT and even ended up being my student a number of times. His technical knowledge and quick wit made for many enjoyable conversations - one minute we'd be analyzing network traces, the next laughing about some silly pun. Over the years I lived vicariously through his stories of sailing and hiking and his idyllic trip to Greece. Margaret, I never met you but I feel as if I knew you. When Paul talked about you and Heather and David his words conveyed his pride and love for you all. Those of us who knew Paul will always remember him fondly - we were truly blessed to have had him in our lives.
Susan Diotte
August 4, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. He was such a great person, son, husband and father. My condolences to the whole family. I will miss his friendly nature and smile.
Denis Harrison
August 4, 2010
Our heartfelt condolences to Marg, Heather, David and family. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Paul for 20 years. He was always willing to share his vast technical knowledge whenever I needed help.
But it is his and Margaret's friendship which I and my wife value most. The banter and laughter we shared around the coffee table with the rest of the crew are unforgettable.
Farewell, our dear friend.
Denis and Nora
Kelly Hudson
August 4, 2010
I'm soooooo very sorry to hear about Paul's passing. I will miss his humour and those wonderful stories and pictures from his time in the Maritimes.
May peace be with you and your family
Randy Hone
August 4, 2010
Another good one gone too soon. My condolences to Marg and the family. Good bye, old friend.
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