Gerald Robert Letourneau

Born on February 15, 1951, in Viscount, Saskatchewan, Gerald was the eldest of seven children to Eugene and Kathleen (Calhoun) Letourneau. His early years were spent in Buick Creek near Fort St. John, BC and moved to the North Peace Dormitories for high school, joining other students from remote Alaska Highway communities until his family relocated into town. Gerald often shared vivid stories of riding horses to school, enduring the hardships of pioneer life, and embarking on wild adventures with siblings, cousins, youth group members, and friends—many of which involved near-death experiences and plenty of laughter.

In 1973, Gerald met Jean Zaichkowsky at Peace River Bible Institute. They married in 1974 and celebrated 50 years of marriage. Their journey together began in Good Hope Lake, living in a remote highways camp near the Yukon border. They built many memories and lasting friendships in Watson Lake through church and community life, became parents, and explored the beauty of the Yukon and Alaska. In 1979, they settled in Fort St. James, where they raised their three children. Gerald and Jean moved to Sexsmith, Alberta, where they built two homes before relocating to Prince George and eventually retiring in Chilliwack.

Gerald spent most of his working life building and maintaining roads and driving logging trucks. At home, he thrived in the homesteading lifestyle—constructing their home, developing the land, repairing vehicles, and crafting projects with his hands. Gerald loved reading and could often be found in his chair with an adventure novel, historical book, or an Asterix comic. He was deeply involved in church life, playing guitar, singing, and greeting everyone with warmth and joy. His love of camping and motorcycling led to countless spontaneous trips across North America with the Christian Motorcycle Association—traveling with two motorcycles, a sidecar, and a trailer. Even in later years, Gerald continued riding to raise funds and awareness for various causes.

Gerald was known for his generosity and practical skills, often helping others by building, repairing, and volunteering—both locally and on projects in Brazil and across Canada. Above all, Gerald cherished people. He was a master storyteller, delighting anyone who would listen with tales of his life, work, family, and adventures—many of them tall tales, all of them heartfelt. He loved gatherings of all kinds and was a familiar, friendly face at church doors on Sunday mornings and along his neighborhood walks.

Gerald was predeceased by his brother Henry, his father Eugene, and his mother Kathleen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jean (Zaichkowsky); his children Adel (Matt), Brent (Marlene), Joe (Laura), his siblings Darlene (Ray), Dave (Ingrid), Neil (Sigrun), Alan (Laurel), Rick (Amy); his grandchildren, Olivia, Noah, Indira, Tenzin, Brayden, Tyler, Koen & Bodhi; his lifelong best friend Delmar (Lorraine); and his extended family and countless friends whom he considered family.

Friends and Family are welcome to join in celebrating his life on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00pm, Sardis Community Church, 45625 S Sumas Rd, Chilliwack, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to:

Mennonite Disaster Services Canada: https://mds.org

or

BC Cancer Foundation: https://bccancerfoundation.com