Gerald Maurice Joseph Desrochers passed away in Courtenay July 27 , 2023. Born July 22, 1958, in Kamloops, Gerry was raised by his parents Rudy and Julie with a love of play and worthwhile work, tinkering with all things mechanical. A lover of science fiction, Gerry served as a fighter jet pilot at CFB Comox where he earned a sight few of us will be privileged to see: racing the sun over the curvature of the earth with the black of space above and the blue world below. Gerry rose to the rank of Captain before entering his true calling as an engineer, a profession he pursued the rest of his life.
Universally warm, Gerry's greatest gift was showing people the vision of who he saw in them through his trust, patience, and gentle tutelage. Gerry never lost his awe at the new, always curious with mind and hands. Courageous in the little things and with a truly stoic heart he found joy in the world, but most of all in his family. Together Gerry and his wife Brenda raised their own children in Kamloops, among the sandy tones of summer, the deep skiing snows of winter, and the flash of light off the river. With unstinting dedication he wove with them a well-lived and flourishing life.
Gerry is survived by his loved and loving wife Brenda and his two beloved children, Renae (Tom) and Ben, whom he was fiercely proud of. He was predeceased by his father Rudy and his brother Richard, and is survived by his mother Julie and his siblings Pat, Paul (Tammy), Lorraine, and Carol (Rob).
