Eric Gateley

With heavy hearts and loving memories, our family announces the passing of our most wonderful Dad. Loving and lovable, Dad passed away gently, surrounded by his devoted children, after a full and happy life of 99 years. Predeceased by his beloved wife Antoinette, Dad is survived by his 7 children Brenda (predeceased by Ben), Diane, Dave (Glenna), Sherril/Honey (predeceased by Ken), Steve (Sook), Joan (predeceased by Bryan) and Brian (Annette); his grandchildren Vanessa, Barett, Erica, Bryan, Trevor, Scott, Kyla, Christopher, Elyse, Kaitlyn, John, Matthew, Mitchell, Bryanna, Braden, Lauren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Dad was born on August 30, 1925, to Hilda and Francis Gateley. He was a twin to Patrick and had three other brothers: Steve, Paul and the youngest Roy. His early years were spent on the family farm in the Bergheim area, then Sutherland. Dad and his older brothers enlisted in WWII, where he served in a military hospital in Bournemouth, England. Dad used this experience to build a career at the RUH and then the UofS. He trained in Montreal to be the first cardiac perfusionist at the University Hospital in Saskatoon.

Dad met and married Antoinette Lafferty in 1949 and they had 55 wonderful years together. They built a close, caring family and established lifelong friendships. Mom and Dad were involved, fully engaged parents who took great pleasure in our accomplishments and in those of our children. They truly cherished us, cultivating utmost joy in our family, in turn instilling the same loving values in all of us.

Dad recovered from and persevered after multiple strokes over the years and lived independently at Columbia Manor until he was 97. The last two and a half years of his life were spent in Veterans Village at Sherbrooke Community Centre. Our family thanks the Sherbrooke Community for the warmth and kindness you showed to our father and all of us. To the staff of House 10, we are eternally grateful for your compassionate care that improved his daily life immensely.

Dad was the last of his generation for the Gateleys and the Laffertys. He enriched the lives of those around him with his gentle, compassionate nature, acts of service, and patient, unwavering support. An eternal optimist, always with a smile, Dad taught us to make the best of any situation. We were gathering to celebrate his momentous birthday however fate stepped in and changed our plans, we were all together for a beautiful celebration of his life.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link us again...