Carpenter, Gerry

GERALD "GERRY" CARPENTER passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at the age of 74, in his hometown of Lethbridge, Alberta.

Gerry met the love of his life, Wendy Cockroft while they were still in high school, and they later became husband and wife on June 7^th, 1969; Gerry's Birthday…he never forgot an anniversary! After Wendy completed her nursing training, they moved to Calgary to start their life together. He was a movie fan and an early adopter of the home theatre experience. He also loved music and it was common to awake on weekends to the sounds of Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, or John Cougar Mellencamp pumping through the house. They had two sons, Shaun (Tracey) and Darren (Melanie) whom Gerry coached hockey and introduced to a multitude of outdoor activities including skiing, golfing, fishing, boating and camping; effectively planting the seeds of lifelong adventure and exploration with his boys and a legacy they've since passed along to their own children.

Some of the Carpenter and extended family's fondest memories together centered around "the cottage"…a family getaway on the shores of Beauvais Lake that was built by Wendy's father, Robert (Elizabeth) Cockroft and enjoyed by anyone who had the pleasure of an invite.  Wendy's mom and dad were truly like parents to Gerry and he contributed to the maintenance and expansion of this special place, where he always had a project on the go…even if it was just getting the old boat motor working again, or putting a fresh coat of paint on the outhouse. A favorite saying around dusk, that captured how magical times around the fire were back in those days was, "We won't see many more evenings like this!"  

Gerry studied at SAIT and his career path started as a technician, later as a leader of service teams. His ability to tinker and build and fix pretty much anything was something family, friends and neighbors could always count on.  Gerry was the first person on the block to pitch in on building a fence or deck and he'd often work all day long, evidenced by the red flash of skin he often sported on his back and shoulders in the summertime. He taught us the value of hard work and the tenacity sometimes required to figure out the puzzle life put in front of you. Gerry was not someone who gave up. Enjoying a drink or a meal with friends and just being social brought Gerry so much joy.  He and Wendy spent many happy hours in the curling rink and on the golf course, two activities they enjoyed together. He was easy with a greeting and made friends wherever he went.     

Later in life and along with Wendy, Gerry found his greatest happiness watching their four grandchildren grow up and pursue their passions in the arts and sport; Chloe (19) and Avery (14) in dance and Levi (13) and Emery (9) in hockey. Even though health issues slowed him down these past 5 years and prevented him from travelling to see them as much as he would have liked, he recalled with a huge smile all the times he witnessed their efforts and achievements.  

Gerry will be missed more than words can say, but his passion for adventure and the love of family will live on in all of us. He didn't need much in life to be content…he would say this to Wendy, "I have you and you have me." 

An open house will be held at 497 Gateway Cres S Lethbridge on Sunday, August 15, 2021, from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. for anyone who knew Gerry to drop by.