Carl Oliver Gerard

GERARD, Carl Oliver— 74, of Halifax, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2009, in the VG Site, QEII Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by family. Born in St. Hubert's Mission, Sask., he was the son of Maurice and Eva (Praud) Gerard. He graduated with a BSc in Engineering (University of Alberta) and an MSc in Aerospace Engineering (Cranfield Institute of Technology - UK). Following a 26 year career in the Canadian Armed Forces (Air Force) he served as Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Aerospace at IMP Halifax. In 1992, he joined Bombardier deHavilland in Toronto as Vice-President of Engineering and Quality Assurance until his retirement in 1998. Professionally, he served as Chairman of the Nova Scotia CAD/CAM Collegium and as a member of the Aerospace Advisory Committee for the National Aeronautics Establishment in Ottawa. He was a faithful and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, serving on several parish committees including: Chairperson OLPH Parish Council and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (Rockingham Council 5449). In retirement, Carl loved to golf and was a member of the Ashburn Golf and Country Club. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Angela LeBreton; daughters, Debra (Warwick Tong), Cynthia (William Bolhuis), Colleen (Erin Connor), sons, Thomas (Alison) Gerard, Derek (Andrea) Gerard, Daniel Gerard, 20 grandchildren; sisters, Doreen Stinson, Carol Ball, Elsa Williams, and his mother, Eva Gerard. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 28, at 10 a.m. in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Father B. O'Neill presiding, on 2 Melody Dr. A reception and eulogy will follow in St. Benedict's Ministry Centre. Burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lower Sackville. Donations in his memory may be made to the new Saint Benedict's Church Building Fund or the VG Hospital Palliative Care Unit. On-line condolences to www.mem.com