Gerard (Gerry) O’Flaherty

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard (Gerry) O’Flaherty at the age of 86 years. As the patriarch of our family, he will be deeply missed as a devoted husband, Dad, Grandpa and Papa. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary O’Flaherty, in Ireland, as well as his siblings Kay, Kevin and Desmond. Gerry is survived by his beautiful and compassionate wife, Carole, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

Gerry also leaves behind his children: son Brian (Nicola), son Neil (Sandra), daughter Deirdre (Raymond). Gerry cherished his grandchildren, with whom he had a special bond and who brought him much joy and happiness: Delaney and Fiona O’Flaherty; Declan and Bryden O’Flaherty; Molly and Clare Kavanagh. Gerry is also survived by his brother Bill and sister Carmel, both in Ireland, and many nieces and nephews, he so cherished throughout the world.

Gerry was born in Dublin and raised in Shankill, County Dublin, the third of six children. At the early age of 19 years, Gerry had a desire to leave Ireland and emigrated to Montreal to begin a new life in Canada. There, Gerry was introduced to Carole Petersen, who was studying to be a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. He married his beautiful bride on June 12, 1965 in Dalhousie, New Brunswick. Gerry was involved in sales, in the food industry. Their first move as a couple was to Worcester, Massachusetts, followed by a brief return to Ireland and then on to Calgary, Alberta.

Gerry’s favorite activities included beachside strolls or neighborhood ridge-walks with Carole; attending myriad athletic, music and dance activities with his children and grandchildren; and playing golf with family and friends, particularly with the lads from Ireland (a.k.a. The Awesomers) with whom they shared great fellowship and craic (Irish for fun and good times).

Gerry was a lifetime member of the Irish Cultural Centre and relished the festivities and conversations that kept him tethered to his beloved birthplace. Given his innate gift-of-the-gab, conversations often led to the spinning of a good yarn, the recitation of a poem, the sharing of a tall-tale, then finishing with an Irish song of his choosing. Dad was always up for a good joke or prank, an attribute that has been passed along to his progeny. We will miss him dearly.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at both the Rockview Hospital, Unit 61, for Gerry’s recent care, and the exemplary and enduring support from Dr. Daniel Heng and his team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and subsequently, the Arthur J.E. Childs Cancer Centre for their kind, compassionate and diligent care over the past 16 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation.

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