GERALD DOUGLAS MOAT

Gerry passed away too soon on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 and will be missed by his partner, Marlyce Searcy; daughters, Donalea and Rhea; son-in-law, Roger; and grandsons, Quinn and Nolan.  He will also be remembered by in-laws: Fred and Ilene Peterson, and Everett and Merle Peterson; Marlyce’s children, Todd and Jayna (Michael); as well as extended family.  Gerry was born October 28th, 1941 to Evert and Addie (Jensen) Moat of Gull Lake, SK.  He completed his schooling in Gull Lake, and this is where he met Frances Peterson when she joined his class in Grade 4.  After a brief stint at university, he returned home to farm and to pursue a relationship with Fran.  They were married in the summer of 1963 and started their family.  Just short of their 40th anniversary, Fran passed away.  Gerry lived most of his life in Gull Lake and knew the town’s history and surrounding area well.  After farming, working construction with his dad, and bartending, he went on to have a lengthy career in the oil industry.  He was very involved in the community, officiating hockey, curling, and being active in Kinsmen.  Because he was comfortable and entertaining while public speaking, Gerry was often called on to MC or to announce at community events (regularly resulting in embarrassment for his family members).  Gerry was a jack of all trades and we often took that for granted.  He could fix or build almost anything, garden, fillet a fish, masterfully carve a turkey, sing a song, complete a challenging crossword and find the perfect spot for picking saskatoons.  Later in life, during Fran’s illness, he took up cooking and learned to bake, pickle and make jam.  These new skills served Marlyce well when Gerry left Gull Lake and the two former high school friends bought a new home in Moose Jaw.  For the past 10 years, Gerry enjoyed finding new friends and pastimes, trying to improve his golf game and spending time at The Dub.  After completing a cardiac rehab program in 2013, he continued with the program by volunteering – he loved to socialize with the new folks, helping to pass the time during their exercise regimen.  Gerry had a boisterous personality, a saying for everything and he never forgot a joke.  In his last days, we were happy to see that he retained his humour and we truly feel this tribute would have read much better if he had written it.  A Time of Fellowship will be held on Sunday, March 27th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Interment will be held in Gull Lake, SK at a later date.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Gerry’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation for Cardiaction, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 or to the Gull Lake Cemetery Fund.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550