Obituary of Gerard Joseph DeGagne

Gerard (Gerry) DeGagne, beloved husband of Yvette DeGagne of Calgary, passed away at the Beverly Care Centre on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at the age of 83 years, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Gerry was born on August 21, 1920 in St. Boniface, MB. His mother died when he was four, and he was educated in a Manitoba orphanage. He served overseas in WW II as a Transport Driver. Following his overseas service Gerry remained in Winnipeg while working with the Canadian National Railroad. He was also involved at the same time in the restaurant business with his brother Joseph. In 1960 Gerry moved to Medicine Hat where he began his career in the Motel Business by purchasing Michael’s Motel. Gerry won a national award while owning Michael’s as voted on by the travelers association. Gerry moved to Calgary in 1966 and bought the Round-Up Motel in Motel Village. The Round-Up over the next few years was transformed from a few log cabins into a modern motor inn. Gerry then built in 1973 the Hospitality Inn North which featured one of the first indoor atriums in Canada. The Best Western Hospitality Inn South, followed in 1980 along with The Best Western Village Park Inn in 1982. Both these hotels featured innovative design and were well regarded by the traveling public. While Gerry’s first love in business was always construction he was active in the day to day management of his properties until his illness forced his retirement. Gerry was always a hard worker who took special interest in the housekeeping and maintenance departments. Besides his loving wife Yvette, Gerry is also survived by a daughter Darlene Casel of Black Creek, BC; stepchildren, Laurie (Bruce) Robertson, Keith (Linda) Bryant, Scott (Joanne) Bryant, Paul (Valerie) Bryant, Stephanie (Robin) Howard, and Jeff (Lorraine) Bryant, all of Calgary; grandchildren, Mark Cooper, Darren Cooper, Susie Jacobs; two great-grandchildren, Alex and David Cooper. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Danny Bryant, Whitney and Chloe Bryant, Amy, Brett, Emily, and Nicole Howard, and Kelly, Jamie, and Casey Bryant. Gerry was a beloved father, husband and grandfather. He derived a great deal of pleasure from the many family gatherings and special events. He was admired and respected in business for his achievements and ethics. Gerry was raised in a time when life was hard and there was little time or money for pursuing hobbies. While he enjoyed a little golf throughout the years his main passion was always his hotels. It was always his family’s regret that Gerry’s illness prevented him from fully enjoying these last few years. He was a remarkable man who will always be missed. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday, April 30, 2004 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Saturday, May 1, 2004 at 10:30 A.M. with the Rev. John Nicholson officiating. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, “Holy Family Catholic Cemetery.” To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110. In living memory of Gerry DeGagne, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 256-9575.