Gerry Russell Rife

Much loved and cherished husband of Helga Rife (nee Fortenbaher), loving father and grandfather to Falon Rife (Matthew Bradshaw)and their two children, Gallagher and Lennon.

Son of Eileen Rife (nee Huston), brother of Charlene Campbell (Colin), and uncle to Ashley, Meredith (Sean Sheeran), Heather (Drew Campbell), and Nikki Paul (Brenden Pacheco).

Dear brother-in-law to Edie Paul (Steve) and Linda Kovacs (Steve).

Predeceased by his father, David Rife.

Gerry was an employee at Tim Hortons inside of Loblaws where he loved meeting and chatting with his customers, many of whom he made great friends with over his years there. I would look forward to the stories he would share with me after a days work! After Timmies closed, he went on to Starbucks there. Although he only spent a very short time there, he enjoyed working with his new colleagues.

Gerry's favorite thing to do was play his guitar! When we met, back in the early 80's, he owned a music store...New East End Music. Playing guitar was his passion! (Aside from Falon and I, of course!) I miss hearing his music! Gerry was very humble when it came to his playing...he never felt the need to "show off". I don't think anyone really knew how good he was! It came from his soul and out of his fingers..."It's all in the mitts" he would always say!

I am thankful and grateful Gerry did not suffer in the end. We had 41 years together (not nearly long enough). We were a team, and I know we will be again, someday...I take solice in this!

Gerry loved our home life together, and he wanted to be home, so cremation has taken place, and I will bring him home, again.

The Dash is a poem that struck a chord for Gerry the first time he heard it. I know he would want me to include it.

The Dash- by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end. He noted first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears. But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years. For that dash represents all the time that they spent on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash. What matters most is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be re-arranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel. Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more, and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

A celebration of Gerry's life will be held in late spring/early summer. Date to be determined.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.