Gerard-Raymond Bouchard, 1939-2008

Gerard-Raymond (Gerry) Bouchard, a long time resident of Donnelly, Alberta passed away at the University of Alberta Hospital on March 19, 2008 at the age of 68 years. Gerry was born in St. Bruno, Lac St. Jean in the province of Quebec on Septemeber 2, 1939. He was the fifth child of the late Alexis and Julliette Bouchard. He was married to Juliette Brulotte in 1966. Gerry farmed in the Donnelly area until 1996, and later operated Gerry’s Trading Post. Gerry was a founding member of the Smoky River & Area Gymkhana Club. He was an excellent horse trainer and a very competitive racer. His trophy wall displayed 72 winning ribbons, 61 trophies, and 40 plus pictures of race track wins. His pride and joy was the winning of 1st place in the Western Canadian Pole-Bending completion. He also won the Best Trainer award on the Alberta “B” Circuit. Gerry loved hunting, playing pool, and especially dancing. He just loved to attend the Family Night event every Friday evening. He missed only one evening during the last year. Gerry will be remembered for his keen sense of humour, and the great kick he got of teasing others. He seemed to always have a come-back. He could dish it out, and take it as well. He is survived by his four daughters: Michelle (Shane) Steinke of Oliver B.C., Doris (Jake) Longsdale of Edmonton, Sylvianne (Jason) Phillips of Edmonton, and Lucille (Bryan) Snyder of Blackfald AB. Gerry had 8 grandchildren. Gerry is survived by three Sisters: Monique (Rene) Dumas, Brigitte (Bert) Himer, and Colombe Cloutier. He is also survived by two brothers: Wilbrod of Hay River, N.W.T., and Reg of Donnelly. Funeral services for the late Gerry Bouchard were held at St. John The Baptist Cathedral in McLennan, AB, on March 24th at 2:00 p.m. Celebrants were Father Joseph Jacobson and Deacon Reg. Bouchard. The music ministry was done by the St. John the Baptist Cathedral Choir with the “Ave Maria” sung by Juliette Brulotte. Gerry’s ashes will be buried in Donnelly’s Cemetery at a later date. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories, Peace River.