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OBITUARY

Gerald Stephen McKenna

December 26, 1958 – April 6, 2021
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Gerald Stephen McKenna

Always in our Hearts.

Gerald Stephen McKenna passed away the morning of April 6, 2021 at his home in Centennial, Colorado.

Gerry was the fourth child born December 26, 1958 to Ruth and Harold McKenna in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He attended Trent University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1981 and also where he met his loving wife of over 13 years, Judi.

Gerry served as the President of railroad systems work for Stacy and Witbeck for the last 10 years of his long and decorated career in the industry.

His passion was evident in every aspect of his life. Gerry lived each day on his terms, he loved driving fast sports cars, a good cigar, stimulating conversation and excellent company. More than anything, he fiercely loved his family. Whether he was drinking his children under the table, throwing his grandchildren into the pool in Florida, or enjoying a glass of wine with the love of his life Judi, his zest for life was unmistakable. Gerry loved being surrounded by his friends and family, entertaining at his favorite places in Denver, Steamboat and Cape Coral.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judi, his mother Ruth (Norm), their three children Jess (Chris), Mike (Allie), and Kristen. Their four grandchildren Ainsley, Mackenzie, Noah, and Sloane, and his three siblings Paul, Dennis, and Margaret.

You couldn’t forget him if you tried!

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  • Visitation

    Sunday, April 11, 2021

  • Celebration of Life

    Monday, April 12, 2021

  • Reception

    Monday, April 12, 2021

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Gerald Stephen McKenna

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Gene Harmon

April 16, 2021

I am so sorry that I didn’t get notification of Gerry’s service. He was one of best staff members we had at Harmon. His personality was so uplifting for our entire company. May God rest his soul.

David McMurray

April 12, 2021

Gerry and I shared our undergrad years together at Lady Eaton College at Trent University. Gerry had an electric personality and a charm that kept everyone engaged. Like his late 70's green Mustang fastback, he lived life large. He's part of a crew of friends that will always remain dear in my memory.

Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Judi and family on his passing.

Karen Leavitt

April 12, 2021

My heart goes out to Judi and all of you who are grieving from the loss of Gerry. Unfortunately, we were not blessed to know Gerry well, but we do know that he made Judi so very happy. May the warmth of his love and all your memories support you along with our sincere condolences.

Mike McKenna

April 12, 2021

In all my memories of Gerry, he is smiling. People smile in photos, of course. People smile a lot. But Gerry is, in my mind, inextricable from the warm, happy smile he always seemed to wear. He wanted you to know, even when he was ribbing you about some joke, or discussing some matter of great import, that everything was going to be alright. Everything was, eventually, going to be ok. He was a great listener, like that.
Gerry taught me a lot, about a lot of things, over my life. It's not hard to find some aspect of me that my uncle helped shape. But if there's one thing I will always associate first and foremost with him, one thing to emulate, now more than ever, it's the warmth and kindness that he was able to provide to everyone around him with a patient ear, a thoughtful conversation, and a smile.

Kenneth Shields

April 11, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Gerry early in my career. He was always cheerful and positive. His cheerfulness was contagious. Rest in peace Gerry.

Jeremy Weams

April 11, 2021

Gerry. I’m going to miss you so much. You taught me so much. I’ve never enjoyed someone’s sarcasm, humor and personality more than yours. You’ll always be very special to me. I love you my friend.

Jessica Rico

April 11, 2021

Gerry, thank you for being an amazing friend and a father figure to my husband. We will miss you very much. Love you! ❤️

Bev & Jon McConnell

April 11, 2021

Our love and prayers to you guys.
Jon & Bev

Peggy McKenna

April 11, 2021

From Peggy (the favourite sister)
Dave is so right, always a scheme, always a plan. When we were little, before screens and Netflix, we had to make up our own fun. We played many made-up games like store and school, but one time that always stayed with me was the time we played church. Gerry came up with this great plan, and he thought I should get to play the honoured role of priest. In his oh-so Gerry way, he suggested that, as the priest, I needed to sneak into the kitchen cupboard to get all the cookies for us to have something to use for hosts. This made total sense to me. I was the priest. Of course I had to acquire the cookies.
Being the priest also meant I got to have the first cookie. I was in the best role. I was the leader. I got the treat first. I thought this was a fantastic game. Then Gerry said, “great; now I get to be all the parishioners getting communion!” He kept coming around and around and around. I had to hand him a cookie every single time!
To his dismay, I shared this story many times with family. Now that I reflect on so many memories of my brother, I find this one so fitting. In all Gerry’s schemes and endeavours on his road to success, he always made sure that those who helped him on his way knew they played an important role, that it wouldn’t have happened without them, and they always, always, got a share of the cookies.
Miss you

Rob Burkhardt

April 11, 2021

I first met Gerry when he was negotiating the commercial issues for the Cromer project in England. I was brought along to respond to any technical questions (of which there were none) and was amazed at Gerry's energy and business sense.

We were meeting with the Railtrack commercial people in York when, trying to bluff the Americans, the Brits said that negotiations were at an impasse and that any further differences would have to be settled by the higher-ups in London. Gerry stands up and says "Well, I guess we're going to London." and off we went; breakfast in the dining car of a HST, black cab to a hotel in Hyde Park and a day waiting for Railtrack to capitulate, which they finally did.

Gerry was a great boss; willing to listen when you had an issue, ready to stand up for you when you were in a bind. More than that, he was a great friend who will be sorely missed.

FROM THE FAMILY

In Loving Memory of Gerry

FROM THE FAMILY
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