BERKHOLD, G.A. (GERRY)
Posted: October 21st, 2021
August 28, 1938 – October 12,2021
In the middle of the night, just hours before passing, as was his way, Gerry took command of the details and dictated his specific wishes for this obituary.
He said he is forever grateful to his wife Beverly for 57 extraordinary years and to his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren; Gordon, Traci and Aidan and Graham, Karen, Emma and Sophia.
He noted his pleasure from his career in banking (CIBC), concrete (Texas, USA), distilling (Highwood Distillers), property investments (Southern USA) and farming (Flying G Farms, Medicine Hat); and expressed his gratitude for the gifted medical support of Dr. Paul Pashniak (Helios Wellness Center) and Dr. Saraj Hussain (Tom Baker Cancer Center – Brachytherapy).
Gerry was very proud of his “Prairie Roots” and being raised in the culture and friendship of Redcliff, Alberta. He, along with the 1944 Grade 1 Class honoured those friends by establishing and growing the Redcliff Scholarship Fund to support Redcliff students pursuing post-high school education.
Gerry had a wonderful experience at U of A, graduating Commerce 1960 and solidified his lifelong pursuit of learning. Together, he and Bev nurtured their U of A friendships through to today, hosting folks at their farm and offering their time and financial support to causes dear to their friends.
Gerry’s remarkable focus, sense of purpose and skills at organizing were highly developed. He loved business; talking about it, reading about it, making a deal, operating and constantly growing and improving. He was blessed with great partners and strong and loyal teams creating amazing cultures and results over the years. Gerry’s success allowed him to make community investments with his time and financial support. He quietly and consistently sought to make his community better and more resilient.
He had a unique, nearly irresistible way of making people come around to his way of thinking. He was a force and will be deeply missed by those who enjoyed the benefit of his wisdom, humour and energy.
Above all Gerry was a caring, generous husband, father and grandfather and a sturdy, loyal friend.
Some random things he enjoyed; birds (especially bird houses and fountains), horses (Old Riders of the West trips), counting cows, time at and talking about the farm, reading, moments of contemplation, grandchildren, walking group trips, prairie sunsets, a well-constructed Martini or Manhattan at the end of the day with family and friends.
There will be a private family service at Hillside cemetery in Medicine Hat and a celebration of life event in Calgary – details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Gerry requested a tax-deductible donation be made to the Redcliff Scholarships – contact Pat Cocks, Scholarship Fund Administrator, by email at pcocks@hotmail.com for details.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.