Gerald "Gerry" Wade Makinen

February 1, 1949 – September 11, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Gerald (Gerry) Makinen on Friday, September 11 at Lake of the Woods District Hospital after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Bonnie; nieces Tiffany (Wayne) and Chantry (Brandon); nephew Bjorn (Tracey); many cousins; and all six of his great-nieces and great-nephews. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Robert (2007) and Evelyn (2024), and his twin brother, Larry (2022).

Gerry spent most of his life in Kenora and in Thunder Bay, where he worked in the pulp and paper industry. He was happiest in a boat (including his folding boat – that’s a thing!) with a fishing rod in his hand, hoping to catch a pickerel or two (even through a hailstorm once). He loved coffee, which he drank all day long; Chinese food from the local shop for special occasions; and A&W burgers “with the works”. He was a homebody and enjoyed playing a variety of music throughout the day. He also liked baseball and watched most Blue Jays’ games – unless they were losing – then he’d shut it off. Gerry kept active by walking everywhere – usually for miles each day – right up until his final years. He was a kind and generous soul, and his nieces and nephew knew that the coolest Christmas gift each year was always going to be from Uncle Gerry.

Gerry never liked to end a phone call or a visit with goodbye – he preferred to say, "see ya", as though saying goodbye was bad luck. His family affectionately teased him about having nine lives – he managed to recover beautifully from serious diagnoses, car accidents, surgeries, illnesses – nothing seemed to be able to stop him. We really thought he'd live forever.

Gerry’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Sarah and the dedicated staff in his seniors’ apartment building, where he lived for 17 years, especially for the extra care he received over the last few months. The family is also grateful to cousin Richard for his compassion and his presence during Gerry’s final hours.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Cremation has taken place. As per Gerry’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home.

See ya, Gerry. Until we meet again.