Halifax, NS
May 29, 1955 - September 12, 2024
Gerald Duncan (Gerry) White, former RCMP Officer, (Regimental No 31545) and retired Royal Canadian Naval Lieutenant CD - age 69It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gerry on September 12, 2024 at Hospice Halifax.
Born in Cornerbrook NL, he was the son of the late Sidney White and Una (Brake)White. Gerry lived a life of service and adventure. He was sworn into the RCMP on his 19th birthday and was posted to serve in his home province of NL. Gerry transferred to the Navy and started his Naval career with postings in Victoria BC, Quebec City, QC, Canadian Forces Station Shelburne, NS.
His deployments included HMCS Saskatchewan, HMCS Kooteney, Cornwallis CF Company Commander, HMCS Ottawa, CF Halifax combat training, HMCS Protecteur, Combat Officer, HMCS Margaree Combat Officer, Royal 22 Regiment Combat School Quebec City, Naval Reserve HQ, UN Special element, Operations Officer CFS Shelburne, Naval Operations School Halifax, Defence Research and Development Atlantic, The Baltic, Cold War deployment as part of NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic, Mediterranean, South America, Samploy ‘78 Galápagos Islands, Manchu Picchu.
Gerry lost his Dad at the early age of eight in a tragic mill accident. His extended family jumped in to fill the huge void and Gerry never forgot their loving generosity.It shaped how he viewed his world and he carried it forward. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, be an advocate or donate his time to try to lighten the load for others. He was a regular blood donor; making just over 150 donations of the gift of life. He travelled across Canada driving a support vehicle for the National Kids Cancer Ride in 2019, helping in the fight against kid’s cancer.
His personality was larger than life. His positive outlook and his keenness to seize the day lead him to a life of a wide range of experiences; from his world travels as a naval officer to working on the ice roads in retirement. He learned to speak French fluently while living in Quebec and loved the ability to communicate in another language. He never shied away from a microphone and could always be counted on to sing O’Canada or say a blessing. He rarely passed by any military or law enforcement person without stopping to inquire about their service, give words of encouragement and always a joke or two. During his retirement he became a justice of the peace and he thoroughly enjoyed being able to perform civil wedding ceremonies especially for friends and family.
He was an avid motorcyclist for over 50 years and travelled many kilometres across the US and Canada with his Blue Knights family. He also enjoyed the great outdoors and continued to camp, fish, hunt, sail and ski through out his lifetime.
Gerry volunteered his time to various organizations and held many positions. He always described his most valuable skill as his ability to “ put out brush fires”. If anyone needed a bartender, auctioneer, driver, speaker, singer or a form notarized he was their man.
Gerry was a member of the RCMP Veteran Association, UN NATO Canadian Military Group, the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, the NS Mass Choir, John Albro Lodge No122 and The Order of St. George.
Gerry had the gift to build strong lasting and cherished relationships throughout his life. His warm good natured personality, sense of humour and his quick wit captured all who came within his sphere, if for no other reason , than to see what he was going to do next.
He is survived by his loving wife Jane (Foley), his soulmate. Gerry adored his Jane and together they found happiness in all that they did together, also his beloved daughter Linda Lee (Tim) Fifield, Kentville, and his precious grandchildren Griffin, Ivan and Mireille Fifield. They were his pride and joy and they renewed his faith in humanity every day.
He is survived by his brother, Sidney White Stephenville NL, his sister Linda (Al) Feltham Cornerbrook NL, his treasured Aunts and Uncles, His mother in law Mary Foley; along with many special nieces and nephews, grand nieces & nephews and his cousins that he loved and cherished dearly. He will be remembered by his loved ones for his innovations, his wonderful story telling ability and his kindness and generosity.
Predeceased by his parents Sidney and Una White, his Father in-law Ronald Foley sister in-law Barb White.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude and love to the many many friends, family and neighbours for all you have done for Gerry during his illness. Special thanks to his Oncologist, Dr Robin McFarlene and the Oncology staff at the Dickson Center, to Dr. DuPere and the Palliative Care staff at the VG, The VON and Hospice Halifax. A special thanks to his Doctor Heather MacKinnon for her incredible care and dedication.
There will be no visitation at Gerry’s request. Cremation has taken place, a funeral service and Celebration of Life will be held at Life Branch Church10 Lancaster Drive, Dartmouth NS at 1 pm Friday September 20, 2024
Donations can be made in Gerry’s memory to Hospice Halifax, Palliative Care Halifax or a charity of your choice.
“May you have fair winds and following seas”
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