Gerry Harman will be remembered as a unique character, a passionate sales person, and loyal friend, of the highest order. He worked to live, not the other way around, and those who knew him benefited from that attitude laced with his humor. Gerry was also an avid sports fan of both hockey and football.
Gerry passed away peacefully in his sleep in Kelowna on January 9, 2020, in his 87th year. “Funcle” Gerry, as he was fondly referred to by his niece, Kathy, possessed a strong work ethic, tenacity, wit and charm. Gerry was also known for making his “Trunk Aged” wine, was the life of any party, and for his genuine comradery.
Gerry had ardent interest in, and natural talent for Sales. Soon after high school he began a life-long career in sales with a variety of businesses. Starting with Great West Life Insurance, he also worked at Eastern Sales and Penner Motors in Winnipeg.
In 1974 he, and wife Kae, bought and ran the Peachland Motel while Gerry also worked at Parker Chrysler in Penticton. There are many funny stories of Gerry’s antics with, and for, guests of the Motel who became life-long friends.
Next Gerry began a career as the Promotions Manager with the WHL Kelowna Wings and then the New Westminster Bruins. These were fulfilling roles for Gerry because it melded his two passions-sports and sales. In his late 50’s Gerry obtained his real estate license, while he and Kae also owned and operated Pronto Pictures in West Kelowna. During the Peachland, West Kelowna, and Kelowna years, the Harman’s owned a houseboat which provided many happy, memorable times with family, friends and colleagues either out on Lake Okanagan or at the Kelowna Yacht Club.
Gerry was born May 3, 1932 in Winnipeg, MB and was predeceased by his wife, Kae in 2009; son, Glen in 2018; Gerry was also predeceased by his sister, Pat Ayres, and brothers, Reginald (Bud) Harman and Raymond Harman.
Gerry is survived by his son, Brian (Annette) Harman, grandsons Garret and Mackenzie (Kyla), great grandchildren, Adeline and Maverick, Sister In Law Lynne (John) Young, Niece Kathy (Chris) Hollick, Nephews Brad (Sandy) Young, Ron (Carla) Harman, Rick (Patricia) Harman and families. As well as an amazing network of friends and neighbors.
Gerry and family have been appreciative of the help they received this last year from the Sunrise Village Community.
All those who knew Gerry, be it through boating, work, in the hockey circles, through the back hedge, or over a glass of Trunk Aged wine, all are blessed to have had his comradery, and cursed to be the subject of his humor!
The family wishes like to thank the Staff of 4 West Strathcona bldg. at Kelowna General Hospital and Mission Creek Landing for his care.
In keeping with Gerry’s wishes there will be no service.
Donations may be made to BC SPCA 3785 Casorso Rd. Kelowna BC V1W 4M7 or spca.bc.ca
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