Gerald Peter Heron

1955-2018

Born August 15, 1955 in Kamloops, BC. Gerald passed away with family by his side on August 04, 2018 in Comox BC. His passing comes after a valiant battle with cancer that his hero, The Duke, would have been proud of. On that first day in 1955 Gerry surprised his mother by bringing along his twin brother, John, scouting ahead, protecting him always and now “riding point” once again.

Inseparable for years, John and Gerry walked into school back to back on their first day and stayed that way for 18 years. As a result they never really talked to anyone, especially girls, except for a few opponents on the football field warning them to not bother standing back up. The girl thing never really improved but the speaking thing did and the entertainment began.

While attending high school in Kamloops, Gerry decided to follow in his Dad's footsteps (RCAF) and get his pilot's license. He enrolled at Mt Royal College in Calgary and achieved his Aviation Diploma.

Almost immediately, Gerry followed his brother Rob to Northward Airlines in Yellowknife and Whitehorse. They flew together on the F-27 before both moved on to the major airlines.

Gerry was excited to join Air Canada in October of 1979 and was assigned to the Winnipeg base to fly the Boeing 727. It is in Winnipeg that Gerry met his former spouse, Maria, and raised their daughter, Vanessa, and son, Peter. Following their divorce, Gerry and Maria have always maintained a close, caring, and supportive relationship for each other that their children are truly grateful for. To this day Gerry still has many colleagues and family in Winnipeg.

In 1994 Gerry transferred to the Toronto base. After a short time on DC-9 he became one of only four AC pilots to be B-737 endorsed. After that it was on to the big planes, namely B-767 and B-747.

In 2000 he became Captain Gerald P. Heron, B-767 – a position he was extremely proud of. Gerry happily retired early in 2012. Shortly before he passed Gerry was pleased to hear his son may soon be joining the AC Pilot ranks.

In his work life Gerry was a consummate professional, carrying himself proudly as an Airline Pilot. Both inside and outside the flight deck, no matter what his role he was a fun loving inclusive team leader who encouraged the best out of colleagues, always holding himself and others to the highest standards, a mentor to many and an example to all. Gerry’s best qualities remain his abundant generosity and eager willingness to help others. In particular, his unconditional love and support for the endeavors of his two children, as well as that of his nieces and nephews speak to his bigheartedness. Amongst those qualities, friends and family will also look back fondly on his quick wit and lively sense of humour.

Gerry is predeceased by father, Peter Heron, his mother Myrtle Heron and his nephew John Alexander Heron.

He will be lovingly remembered by his ex-wife, Maria Heron; the treasures of his life – daughter Vanessa Heron and son Peter Heron; joining them are Gerry's brothers: twin brother John Heron (Magdalin) and their daughter Samantha; brother Robert Heron (Jennifer Lavery) and their daughters Lisa Heron (Dave Hyndman) and their children Hugh and Claire Hyndman, Sandra Heron (Chris Edwards) and their children Katherine and Sarah Edwards; and his brother Kelly Heron.

Gerry asked that donations in his memory be made to the BC Cancer Society. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Sunnydale Golf Club in Courtenay B.C. on September 17, 2018 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Please join us by remembering Gerry by visiting our memorial website at www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com.

We would like to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Jason Hart at the BC Cancer Clinic in Victoria, B.C, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Comox Valley Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C.