WILLIAM GERALD DEHMKE
With hearts full of sadness and love, we announce the sudden death of Gerry Dehmke. Gerry passed away at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the age of 72. He was born in Rosthern, SK on October 21, 1944 and grew up on the family farm. As a youngster he loved playing hockey and baseball. He met Diane when she came to Rosthern to do her rural nursing practicum and married in 1969.
In 1967 Gerry entered the RCMP, and moved to British Columbia living in Clearwater, Kelowna, Terrace, and finally to Fernie. Gerry made good friends in every town he was stationed. He made Fernie his home, moving his family here in 1985. Just prior to the move he was promoted to Corporal, and became well respected in his community. People loved him for his great sense of humour and as a person who truly cared about others. In 2002, following 35 years of service, Gerry settled into retirement, spending time on the golf course and enjoying time with family and friends.
Gerry curled for many years, twice on teams representing BC in the Canadian Police Championships; Winnipeg in 1984 and Halifax in 1986. He was a long-time member of the 3300 Club and other community events. Traveling also became a big part of life post retirement, visiting Cuba many times (oh, those Cuban cigars!), Barbados Mexico and Costa Rica.
Gerry will be dearly missed by his wife Diane and their son Jeff, and his sister Karen Dyck of Saskatoon, SK with her children, Twila, Darren, Kevin (Kendra), Shawn, and Dena (Tyler). He was predeceased by his parents Ruth and Bill Dehmke, and his brother-in-law Harvey Dyck.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fernie Friends for Friends or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.