We Remember
LEPPER, Gerald Bennett
December 29, 1937 — May 17, 2019
On Friday, May 17, 2019, the life of a very special man came to a peaceful close with his wife, Janet, and brother-in-law, Kim Barker, by his side.
Gerald Bennett Lepper was born at home in Irricana, Alberta, on December 29, 1937, to Aubrey Paul James Lepper and Marion Lepper (née Wray). He was raised on a farm on land homesteaded by his Wray grandparents near Irricana, along with his sister Lorna and brothers Mervyl “Merv” and Aubrey “Rey”. He helped with his parent’s farm until meeting and marrying Janet Barker on June 9, 1962, and worked as a welder, even though his preference was always to be a farmer. In 1969, they moved from Calgary to Kamloops BC where he worked as a steel fabricator and foreman until his retirement. Gerald was talented at so many things and put his artistic touch on the design of the beautiful back yard and pool, of 33 years, which was enjoyed by family and friends over many years. He also lovingly restored a 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible to collector status. During their working lives, Gerald and Janet travelled to Europe and Hawaii, toured the U.S. and Canada in their 5th wheel, and their trip to Australia with Gerald’s brother Merv and Anne was one of his dream trips. After retiring to Leisure Village in West Kelowna in 2012, to be closer to family, they made their final trip driving across Canada, coming back through the States, visiting the town in Pennsylvania where his Grandmother Wray was born.
Gerald was predeceased by his mother and father, his sister Lorna Nutini, and his borther-in-law Murray Barker. He is survived by his wife Janet, brothers Merv (Anne), Rey (Jeanie), his brother-in-law Don Nutini, sister-in-law Arlene Baker, brother-in-law Kim Barker (Linda) and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He will always be remembered for being a quiet and gentle man with a dry wit and wonderful sense of humour. Janet would like to thank Dr. John McNern for his care over the past years, , Dr. E. Welsh, Dr R. Perini and all of the doctors and nurses who attended Gerald in the last week of his life on Ward 4B, Royal Building, Kelowna General Hospital, especially the nurses who took such loving care of him in his final moments.
Janet was able to thank Gerald for giving her such a wonderful life as her husband and her best friend. “I have lived with you and loved you, and now you are gone. Gone where I cannot follow, until I have finished all of my days. -Victoria Hanley”
There will be no service, but a gathering of family and friends is planned for late summer to honour Gerald’s life. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences.”
Location
There will be no service, but a gathering of family and friends is planned for late summer to honour Gerald’s life
Awe, Janet – so sorry to hear Gerald has passed away. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed dearly. Thinking of you at this sad time and please let me know about a gathering in his honor.
Love Pauline
Janet, you and I were like sisters, living next door to each other in Calgary long enough for me to bond with you and your rascally brothers. We married the love of our life and they loved us all their days, we were and are blessed to have that special love to keep us the rest of our days. I am living your pain right now but also living a certain peace you may have, knowing you and Gerald made only beautiful moments that you can relive forever.
Love to you, dear Jan, and to Kim and all.
Mavor Jacqui
Janet Dot & I are so very sorry to hear of Gerald,s passing .Iremember the numerous times we went out for a smoke & a chin wag You are both beautiful people & we love you our prayers are with you GOD BLESS YOU
Janet, we are so sorry for your loss of Gerald, He was a very special man and you have been the love of his life and he yours! He will be missed by all who knew him. Cherish your memories. He had such pride in his vehicles that he restored.
Hugs
Wendy and Bryon
Jan, so very sorry to receive this sadness. Love you so much and thinking about you as our lives proceed. We have had an awesome relationship and your final words to Gerald touched me deeply. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕Joan
Our sincere sorrow for your loss. We were heartened to hear that he maintained his dry, Wray wit until the end. Though we are separated by years and miles, our hearts and memories are joined close at this moment.
We are happy to share this photograph that was taken by Dad (Uncle Cam). We have fond memories of you all.
With love from,
Sharon & Dale Manason
Brian & Violet Wray
Barry & Dorothy Wray
Bevin & Janie Wray
Dear Jan,
We are very sorry for the loss of your best friend, Gerald. It is hard to think of you without thinking of Gerald, too. You were the dream couple – wonderful people. If we are around when you have the Memorial for Gerald, we will be there.
Love,
Pam & Brian
Dearest Jan,
I was so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was a wonderful man and I regret that we have sort of lost touch these past few years. I have many fond memories of the fun times we all spent together. Please let me know when you are having your gathering and if I’m around I will certainly be there. Take care my friend – you are in my heart.
Love Bev
My heartfelt condolences. “Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Janet :My sincerest condolences on the passing of Gerald. We have been blessed with knowing and having the friendship of Gerald and the Lepper and Wray families.