NARGANG, Gerhard “Gerry” Wilhelm

December 3, 1940 - July 10, 2021

“I’d trade all of my tomorrows, for one single yesterday”,

Me and Bobby McGee, Kris Kristofferson.

Gerry treasured his memories and all of the eras spent with family and friends. He hosted many a gathering where you either came armed with a good story, a good drink, or an appreciation of either of the above. He was loved by so many; people loved his natural charm, his way of making you feel welcomed, his deadpan sarcastic approach to life, his love of all the kids, his rich storied life, his boisterous laugh and his magnetism. It makes sense that he had many lifelong friends. He was the son of German immigrants, born in a small house on Clement Ave in Kelowna. He was brought up by his loving mom Pauline and was close to his two sisters, Erica and Rose, both of whom he loved dearly his whole life. Of course, a house full of women had an impact on Little Gerry. Perhaps it is telling that Gerry left school to join the carnival, a foreshadowing of the many adventures to come. (He would want you to know that he worked in the card game and gambling area ;). Gerry had a huge drive to travel and work and he was always thinking of the next business, job or city. He managed pubs, bartended, worked on the power lines, was a mortgage broker, got into real estate, owned a tax business … then there were the businesses like Fintry (all hail the summer of 1979 at a party resort you got to by boat!), Instant Air Bumpers (his daughters starred in those commercials), an arcade, and the one that he and Linda built to a level he was very proud of in the latter years, Mystical Connections. Gerry took massive risks, so there were many crescendos and many falls. Mystical Connections allowed them to travel, go on cruises, (one of their favourites was to Antarctica) and to host friends at their home on the golf course. Gerry may have been adventurous with his ideas and work, but he was a big fan of home life and especially of kids; famous for pancake breakfasts early in the morning (ask any of his nieces or nephews), family dinners every night, he also loved nature and animals (he fed roughly 8 million birds ;) and went to bed early his whole life. It did NOT matter what kind of event was going on, he could find a place to depart to get his much-needed beauty sleep. He was generous to a fault and helped many in need which was part of his loyalty. What carried Gerry through this huge life of his? Two things: He was a complete and eternal optimist, probably to a fault if there is such a thing. He lived 7 years longer with PSP than any prognosis he was given. It was a very tough go but even when he lost the ability to speak, somehow his stories and antics still came through. The second was the love of his life, Linda. Together they faced many an obstacle and he loved and adored her to the very end. He was the husband that liked to party with all the women, get into the kitchen to help with huge meals, convince Linda the next destination was the one (oh how we moved around) and he was keen on showing Linda his love through gifts for every single occasion and many a loving joke. Linda and Gerry were the beacon couple. What was he most proud of? His role as Dad, Husband, Opa/Papa. He adored his family and could not get enough updates, stories and visits, especially when his ability to travel decreased. Growing up with Gerry as a dad meant you were not bored, you knew you were loved and for the love of gawd, you better have your napkin on your lap at dinner. Blaine, Tara and Tanja could hold their own with anyone because of his and Linda’s influence. He had the ability to remain connected through the teenage years and he did so with his unique humour. Dad was extremely fortunate to meet Jodi, his daughter, when she was in her 20’s and he loved her as he always did, with his big heart. His granddaughter Kaylin was like a daughter, and he got to try his parenting chops later in life and they were two peas in a pod. He watched all of his kids go off and find their own adventures and was always there with Linda to be the touch stone should they need anything, and indeed they all did. This continued when grandkids came along and then, great grand kids. The little ones stole the show for him, and he was wrapped around their fingers. There are many loved ones that departed before Gerry including his beloved older sister Rose, his son Blaine whose death left such a hole in our hearts as well as a huge number of old and dear friends such as the Cooks. Wherever they all may be, may he reunite with them and have a toast. There will never be another Gerry Nargang and he will forever be missed and the star of our stories.