1951 - 2021
Gerard ‘Gerry’ Rochette, a resident of Innisfail, Alberta for over thirty years, passed away in his sleep unexpectedly at the Innisfail Health Center on September 29, 2021 at the age of 70 years.
Gerry was the only child born to Inez and Gerard Rochette in Lac Beauport, Quebec near Montreal on June 1, 1951. He was baptized in September of 1951. The early years were not solid, with his parent’s separation, the need to move on started to grow. From a young age Gerry worked for his uncles in their logging business. Even though he quit school early, he learned English as a second language, though writing and reading English was not his strong point.
His diverse work history started when he moved to Atlantic City where he worked and lived with his Aunt Shirley. He then moved off to the Canadian Coast Guard for a few years and finally ended up in Red Deer, which became his home base. Gerry became a heavy equipment operator working with many local companies around Central Alberta and Northern Alberta. In the later 1990’s he moved to Innisfail. Gerry bought his first house by the Innisfail Town Office, where he also set up a shop for his J & R Skate Sharpening business, later moving it to the Innisfail Arena. For many years Gerry kept Innisfail kids and adults on the ice with a great edge.
His Real Estate investment career started with two boarders in his little house that helped pay the bills. Gerry actually sold two homes to the town of Innisfail. Over twenty years he bought and sold numerous small homes, duplexes and a four-plex. He liked the negotiating aspect of the Real Estate. Negotiating for vehicles also allowed him to know all the local auto sales people. Gerry enjoyed the job he made for himself as a landlord and he was a big hearted landlord providing affordable housing to numerous people over the years. Through the renovations of his properties, he employed and befriended countless trade’s people in the community.
As his health worsened he became more house bound, but up to the end he continued to manage his Real Estate holdings.
Gerry is survived by his Aunt Shirley Pierson in Quebec. You will be missed Gerry.
A Graveside Service will be held at the Innisfail Cemetery, Innisfail, Alberta on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
