We announce with broken hearts the sudden passing of our brother,
Gerard Olszowiec on Feb. 1, 2010 at his home in Sydney River.
Gerard was born in New Waterford on Nov. 30, 1959 and was the son of
the late Rudy and Bessie Olszowiec.
Gerard’s early years were filled with his enthusiasm for the
outdoors. He was a proud member of both the Boys Scouts and Venturers.
In later years he played baseball on the Halifax Commons and
participated in several outdoor survival challenges.
A graduate of Dalhousie University with double degrees in BSc and BA
his professional career as a programmer/analyst brought him a
diversity of projects. Gerard headed teams at the Attorney Generals
Office, Department of Health, Department of Motor Vehicles, and CMHC
implementing computerized systems. He was a training officer for
Anderson Consulting and later formed his own company, Entity Software
Limited, where his work involved private consultation and website
programming.
In 2007 Gerard contracted a serious heart virus resulting in open
heart surgery and a long recovery. After his setback, he rallied and
became even more enthusiastic with his outdoor activities. An active
member of the Cape Breton Velo Club, Gerard clocked over 3000 km on
his bike in 2009, retiring it for the winter only in December. Since
that time he could be seen on his daily walks throughout his
neighbourhood. It was on these walks and rides that Gerard befriended
a certain neighbourhood cat who looked forward everyday to a lapsit
and a treat which was hidden in Gerard’s pocket.
A self taught carpenter, Gerard completed many pieces of beautiful
furniture. One special project over the past two years was the
construction of a 17 foot canoe.
In 2005 Gerard relocated from Halifax to assist in the care of his
parents. Living minutes from his sister Beverly, they enjoyed many
happy times entertaining Rudy and Bessie on outings, in their homes
and at Harbourstone.
Gerard is survived by his sisters, Beverly (Michael) Cathcart, Sydney
River, Karen (Mike) O’Driscoll, Bracebridge, Ont. and Maria
Quigley, Weston, Ont.; brother, Robert Blair (Judi Gerbrandt), Delta,
B.C., sister-in-law, Margaret Olszowiec, Nelson House, Manitoba; many
aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gerard was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ in
Dec. 2008, father Rudy in April, 2007 and his brother David Brian in
March, 1994.
Visitation for Gerard will be held Monday, Feb. 8 from 7-9 p.m. at
V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral
mass to celebrate Gerard’s life will take place Tuesday, Feb. 9
at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue,
with Fr. Paul MacNeil officiating. Reception will follow at the Carmel
Centre. Burial will be held at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the S.P.C.A. or a charity of
one’s choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at
www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
Condolences
I was saddened to hear of Gerard's passing. He and I graduated from B.E.C. together, last year we re-connected via the internet where we shared stories, Gerard's taped bike excursions and many laughs. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the Olszowiec family on your great loss, keeping you all in my prayers....God Bless.
— Karen (Saule) Campbell
Good bye my friend ,it is time for you to rest,sorry i can't make to the services ,to the family my prayers are with you.
— Tommy Mc Donald
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Gerard. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time!!!!!
— Hughena(MacIntyre)Flint
I've known Gerard since I was a young girl in Scotchtown. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at such a difficult time. Gerard was very intelligent,witty, and kind. Life is so short......may all your beautiful memories serve to comfort you in your time of loss. God bless you.
— Heather Timmons
I want to express my sympathy to Gerard's family. I was shocked when I read his obituary in today's paper. I worked with Gerard at the Health Dept. for many years. He was very competent in his profession and a fun guy to be around. I am so sorry for your loss; he will be sadly missed.
Thank you for such a nice and detailed obituary, it explains why I haven't bump into Gerard in a while.
My thoughts and payers are with you.
Wendy
— Wendy Reid
My sincere condolences to all of Gerard's family. I worked with him at CMHC and was pleased to have called Gerard a friend. We had many happy times together. I am sorry to hear of his passing. God Bless.
— Pauline Amirault
I'm so sad to hear of the loss of your beautiful brother. I graduated from BEC with Gerard and attended Dalhousie at the same time. We recently reconnected via the internet through fellow grads of 1978. Gerard was very kind and gentle and. My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
God Bless
— Noel Chiasson MacDonald
I worked with Gerard at Andersen and will always remember his laugh and smile.
— Tim Peach
We are so sad to hear about the sudden passing of Gerard. We were his superintendents a few years ago, and became quick friends. He was so funny, and kind. Although we haven't seen Gerard as of late we spoke of him often. Our prayers and thoughts are with Gerard's family. RIP DEAR FRIEND.
— Anne & Mel Brunt
Our deepest sympathy to you all. I was one of Gerard's best buddies at university. We have kept in touch over the years. I saw him last year at our friend Andy's wedding in Hawaii. We had such a great time together. We went to Pearl Harbor, climbed to the top of Diamond Head Mountain, among other things. It was very nice connecting with him in such a beautiful setting. May he rest in peace. Sorry I will not be able to be there with you in person but know that I my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
— John Meyer
Friends are the family that you choose for yourself. Gerard was my brother. We were roommates in 1979 and have been friends since. Although we both had our own career paths, we kept in touch, perhaps not as much as we should have. As we approached our half century mark on this earth, illness and injuries made us both realize we were mere mortals and friends are what count.
Our ties were generational, with my great grandmother Peggy Brown scolding his grandfather Stanley for scaring the kids. The ties to New Waterford were still there when I visited with him in October and we visited the homesteads and grave sites.
Carol Anne and I were only starting to address the years apart and we looked forward to more good times together. My children, especially Chris, was looking forward to confirming all the old stories he had heard so often.
Carol Anne can not make brownies without remembering how much Gerard enjoyed them after our pub runs.
We will miss Gerard immensely. I hope that he was fully aware of how much we loved him. After the trials he had suffered over the past few years, he was cut short.
Our sorrow and thoughts are with Gerard's family and friends. We will miss you Gerard.
Rob McKay
— Rob McKay
Gerard's passing brings a heavy sadness to my wife and I. I always admired "JGO"s many adventures and experiences. Whenever I visited he would willingly provide a bed and hours of "chin-wagging" about whatever new course or hobby he had taken up. My most recent visit to Nova Scotia gave my wife her first chance to meet him. They exchanged notes about tomato growing and we admired the progress he was making on his canoe. We were extremely grateful when he attended our wedding and demonstrated his new found video prowess in taping our wedding. It was an invaluable gift to us. Our friend, we will forever miss your wit, advise and chin-wags but always treasure your memory.
— Andrew & Tomomi MacLeod
Our thoughts and prayers go to Gerard's family and friends at this sad time. RIP Gerard.
— Mary Lois & Jimmie chesal
On every occasion I met him, I was struck with the caring connection Gerard had with other people. He has been a gift to the world. My sincere sympathy.
— Carolyn Ells
To the Family of the Late J. Gerard Olszowiec:
I am writing to express my sincere sympathy on the death of your loved one, Gerard. Those whose lives he touched will not soon forget Gerard’s contribution to the community.
Words can never put into perspective the sorrow and emptiness that is suffered at such a loss as yours. I do hope your pain is eased somewhat by knowing that others too feel sadness and want to share that very heavy burden.
My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Rodger Cuzner, M.P.,
Cape Breton-Canso
— Rodger Cuzner, M.P. - Cape Breton-Canso
I was very sad to hear of the sudden passing of my Uncle Gerard. He and I didn't know each other very well but whenever we saw each other it was as though we did because we were family. He was a typical Olszowiec, smart and funny, and he will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with my Auntie Bev, Karen, Maria and Uncle Blair, I am sorry I won't make it to the service, I wish I could be there for and with you. I hope that you can find comfort knowing that he is with Grandma, Grandpa and my Dad in heaven. Love, Lolly
— Laurelee Olszowiec
Gerard and I met at Dalhousie and have remained friends ever since. My fondest memories are all of the debates and laughs we shared - usually with beer in hand. Gerard possessed a beautiful soul and always stayed true to his beliefs. I will truly miss him. Our deepest sympathies to Gerard's family.
— Susan & Richard Sparks
I am a former colleague of Gerard's and had enjoyed his company on many occasions. I am deeply saddened by his loss and offer my sympathy to his family and friends.
— Michael Kelly
Our memories of Gerard are all recent as we just became friends at a wedding in Hawaii in 2009. We were in the same business and had similar hobbies. When I was stuck with a problem, or needed an update on an Atlantic storm, a quick email to Gerard would give me the information I wanted. It seemed like just the other day we were discussing putting the bikes away for the winter. I will be thinking of him when I pull mine out in the spring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
— Joel and Catherine Avery
I was so sad to hear of your loss of your brother I have lost 2 brothers in the last 3 yeaars John and Jamie and also my dad Emil Went so I know how you feel I have fond memories of your mom and dad and all your family as we grew up in Scotchtown. Your mom and dad was always very good to me I took Dad to your father's funeral and when I went to speak to your mom as soon as she heard my voice she said Marian Went how are you? It made me feel great that she remembered me so well. I will pray for your family and I am sure my dad and your mom and dad are up in heaven playing cards and Jamie is playing bingo. God bless all of you. Marian Vienneau, Emil Went's daughter
— Marian (Went) Vienneau
So sorry for your lost, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sharon & Stephen Cook & Family
— Sharon Cook
I was deeply saddened to hear of Gerard's passing. I had the pleasure of being part of the "gang" who has known Gerard over 20 years and most recently we shared the wonderful Hawaii trip last year. During one of our outings there, Gerard joined us on a hike to Diamond Head Crater. Although we didn't get to see each other often, Gerard was one of those friends who you instantly felt comfortable with and it was as if you just saw each other yesterday. I always enjoyed Gerard's smile and sense of humour. He always seemed to put others ahead of himself. I feel blessed to have called Gerard a friend. May you be comforted by knowing he was loved by so many.
Catherine and Troy Droesbeck
— Catherine and Troy Droesbeck
I was overwhelmed to hear of Gerard’s sudden passing today. He and I where good friends during our BEC and Dalhousie University years together, including sharing an apartment for one of them. He was a groomsman at my wedding. We had lost touch over the years, and had recently reconnected last year thanks to the Internet.
My wife Carol and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Olszowiec family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. I would have wanted to be with you at this time of need, but distance prevents it.
— Lawrence Dobranski & Carol Cantlon
so sad to here about the loss of a friend and classmate, my prayers are with your family
— millie mackinnon lever
I worked with Gerard for several years at the Dept of Health, and was deeply saddened to read about his passing. I often sought his technical advice, and he consistently offered honest, wise and helpful suggestions. Our office was much the better for his integrity, humour and generous spirit. I can well imagine how much his family will miss him and offer to them my sincere condolences.
— Jim Phillips
"I consider Gerard as one of my best friends. When I first moved to Scotchtown, CB in the late 60's, we clicked immediately. In our youth and later in our teens we were almost inseperable. I shared Gerard's passion and adventures in Scouting and Venture's. When I left Scotchtown and enrolled in the Canadian Forces, he was still a major figure in my life. While I was away, he ensured my then young family was taken care of, wether it was babysitting duties or just morale support. Gerard will be missed and I send our condolences to his family.
— Ron MacLean
Bev,Michael and Family
I was sorry to hear about Gerard. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Donnie Ellsworth
— Don Ellsworth
Gerard: My fellow adventurer - be it on our farthest journey to Hawaii; our longest journey through the Halifax heart unit; our shortest one as a pall bearer for you this week; and more.
From my card to your family -
The shadows move, neath dancing sun
and signal all, this day is done.
Last sunset we, gathered to wake;
this morning our, hearts still ache.
Natures rhythms, will cycle on
in other forms, with every dawn
His good endures, as we'll do, yes
a little more, with a little less
— Cameron
Karen- my thoughts are with you. I do not remember your brother very well but do have some memories of him tagging along behind us at your house during high school days. My mom said that you now live in Ontario and not too far from us. Perhaps we can get together soon and reminence about the old days and share some memories of the brothers we have lost. Take care and know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time.
— Karen MacKenzie-Stepner
I express my deepfelt condolences on the passing away of Gerard, a very good student of mine. I specially remember Beverly and Karen with great sympathy on the loss of a brilliant & dear brother.
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