Obituary of Gerald Bynoe
Gerald Bynoe
(November 4, 1934 - January 1, 2024)
Gerald Bynoe, a kind-hearted, devoted, and respected community member, passed away on New Year’s Day 2024 at Bethany Meadows in Camrose. He was 89 years old. Born in Montreal on November 4, 1934, Gerald’s life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and boundless kindness.
Gerald grew up in a boy’s home in Montreal and had six siblings: one brother and five sisters. He had a very strong work ethic and was very loyal. His dedication was evident in his 35-year career at Via Rail, where he enjoyed meeting people, including notable figures like Celine Dion on his travels down the rails. He and his girlfriend Babs welcomed their son Gerry in 1952, and daughter Pam in 1955. Later, with Doreen, his loving wife since 1977, he had another son, Darrel in 1968. Later on in his life, he followed his daughter out to Alberta. Shortly after, they took in Darrel’s son Josh and raised him from the young age of four.
After leaving his career at Via Rail, Gerald came to work for his daughter Pam at Joey’s Only on Main Street in Camrose. He always loved feeding people and cooking. Trust me, if you have been to Nan and Pop’s place, you know you don’t leave hungry. They did not take no for an answer... you ate. He also held high standards when cooking. Once he and Pam had a dispute that they would get in trouble with the franchise for serving fresh hand-cut fries instead of McCain fries. Gerald said he wouldn’t be serving garbage. He quit and said that he would be back the next day to make hand-cut fries and golden-crust fish.
Gerald managed a couple of apartment buildings as well. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to take care of the place. He was a jack of all trades and did what needed to be done, plus some. The guy even built a big gazebo between the two apartments for the tenants to have a place to all get-together and socialize. He was also a man who would bend over backward to help a person who was in a tough spot.
Gerald created a strong bond with his upstairs neighbor Rodney and his family. They hung out a fair bit and enjoyed going quadding together.
Now believe it or not, Gerald also had another job, on top of the other two at this time, as a janitor at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre. As you could tell, this man was a workhorse, and on top of it all, he also did a fair bit of community service around Camrose. His work ethic was not about money, but about honor, integrity, doing what needed to be done, and doing the good Lord’s work by helping others in need.
Gerald’s devotion to his wife Doreen was unwavering. When Nan (Doreen) broke her hip and ended up in the Louise Jensen Care Centre, he was such a loving and loyal husband. He visited her every single day for years until she passed away.
Up until his early 80’s, Gerald was always on the go, always keeping busy. He eventually started having health issues and dementia and went to reside in Bethany Meadows nursing home. He was a pretty pleasant, kind man to be around. He ended up succumbing to COVID and passing away on New Year’s Day 2024.
His time has come to an end on this earth, but he has forever left his mark on us all with the deeds he did and the memories that we have shared with him. Gerald’s legacy is not just in the work he did, but in the lives he touched and the love he shared. His passing from COVID marks the end of an era, but his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His life was a journey of love, service, and unwavering dedication.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Gerry (Rosa) Bynoe, and Pam Paris-Howe (Brad Howe); step-children Anna Hebert, Ernest Hebert, and Susan Hebert; grandson Josh Brewer (raised by Gerry and Doreen); four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister Bernice Lee.
Gerald was predeceased by his wife Doreen; son Darrell Richards; parents Clem and Ida; grandson Michael O'Connor; and great-grandson Trey O'Connor.
A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2024 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel, 4817 - 51 Avenue Camrose officiated by the Rev. Dean Eisner.
