Gerald Walter White

It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald White of Barrhead, Alberta on February 18, 2021 at the age of 70 years. Gerald passed away at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre with his cherished wife Deb by his side after a lengthy and hard fought battle from cancer.

Gerald was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, eldest son to Cameron and Mabel White of the Scenic Heights area near La Glace, Alberta. Gerald was raised on the family farm where he helped with the cattle and grain farm operation. He was involved with the 4H Beef Club and enjoyed school sports while growing up. Gerald was schooled in La Glace and Sexsmith, graduating from high school in 1968. That fall Gerald went to the U of A. He graduated with distinction and was awarded the Gold Medal of Pharmacy in 1972. Gerald could have gone anywhere to begin his career but he was approached by Fyfe’s Pharmacy of Barrhead for consideration. Gerald chose this small town to settle in and began his career as a pharmacist, for the most part working in Barrhead and Swan Hills. Over the years Gerald also helped out at numerous other pharmacies throughout the County of Barrhead and Northern Alberta all the while living in Barrhead. Gerald was hard working, dedicated, well respected by his pharmacy colleagues, the healthcare providers he worked with and the many customers that he befriended and took care of over the years. He truly enjoyed and excelled at his lengthy pharmacy career of 45 years which he retired from in June of 2017.

Gerald enjoyed curling, and watching football but his greatest pastime was model railroading. At a young age his interest in trains was evident and this turned into a lifelong passion and hobby for him. His model railroads built to scale were complete with landscapes, village buildings, people, and working train lines with all the bells and whistles. These were true works of art, meticulously, perfectly and precisely created. This was how Gerald approached any task or project he worked on. Gerald was kind, compassionate, humble and he treated others with respect.

Gerald began dating the love of his life, Deb, in 2002. Step-daughters Andrea and Lisa came along with that commitment and life for Gerald all of a sudden took on new love and meaning. Gerald and Deb were devoted to each other and inseparable. Special trips and holidays abroad during their vacation times over the years created cherished memories. The trips taken were cultural experiences of a lifetime for them. Attending model railroad conventions and visiting historical railroad sites were often incorporated into their trips. Family was of utmost importance to Gerald. Over the years he rarely missed coming home to the farm for special occasions, especially Christmas. He really enjoyed weekend gatherings, campfires and getting together with family.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife Deb, step-daughters Andrea and Lisa Adam, sister Joan White, sister Trudy Edgar and Lance, brother Jim White and Susan, nephews and nieces, Jeffrey and Jaycee Edgar (Cameron and Grace), Myles Edgar and Leah Jackson, Adam White, Amanda and Riley Orr (Mack and Kade), Lowell and Brianne Edgar (Eloise and Sullivan), Deb’s parents Bruce and Mickey Johnston, Deb’s siblings Greg and Cindy Johnston, Donna and Vernon Goerz, Karen and Bill Scheding and their families.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Cameron and Mabel White, his grandparents, Milton and Grace White, John and Jessie Oakes and sister-in-law Barb Johnston.

Throughout Gerald’s illness Dr. de Waal always treated Gerald with exemplary care and with mutual respect as a friend and patient. Special thanks to all those who went above and beyond supporting Gerald with care at the Barrhead Cancer Clinic, the ER physicians and Healthcare Centre staff and those at the Barrhead Clinic.

Respecting Gerald’s wishes, a private celebration of his life will take place October 3, 2021 at the family farm with burial to follow at Scenic Heights Cemetery.