Thomas (Gerry) Palmer

Obituary

Passed on

Peacefully Thomas (Gerry) Palmer, with family by his side, passed away on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall Manitoba.

Gerry is predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Winnifred (Winnie) Palmer, and brother Bryan.  Surviving family members include his wife Dorothy; children Sherrie Lynn (Irvine), Kendall (Rosemary), Leanne (Lee), Grant (Carolyn) and son-in-law Blair (Laurie); grandchildren Quinn, Nick, Jamie, Derek, Hollie, Kyle, Sara, Ethan, Mark, and Jack; and great grandson Blake.  Gerry is also survived by his brothers-in-law Bill and George and sisters-in-law Bernice and Sheila, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and good friends.

Gerry attended Grosse Isle School while helping on his father’s dairy, pig and mixed grain farm.  After meeting the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Ritchie, they married on April 16th, 1960 and lived a short time in Winnipeg before moving to a house in Grosse Isle.  With the help of his father’s sister, Margaret Madill, Gerry and Dorothy were able to purchase land and build a new home in 1961 on E. 1/2 4-13-1 E.  Gerry worked for Agro Equipment until the purchase of the farm.  While working on the farm, he returned to work at Agro and International Harvester from 1967 to 1973.  In 1989, he again returned to International Harvester working for Leo’s Sales and Service and the Grandmont family until 2001.

For many farms like theirs, there were struggles and lean years. The farm was built by Dad’s labour and Mom’s care of the farm books, the house, garden and kids. The daily routine of feeding and caring for pigs lasted for decades. The barn was the engine and anchor of the farm. The land grew grain for sale and enough barley to feed the pigs and straw for bedding. Seeding and harvest were very active times with work and equipment shared with Gerry’s dad and brother Bryan at the home place south of Grosse Isle. Growing up on the farm leaves memories of dinners in the field, barn cats, riding horses, the best dogs, ski doos and snow drifts, picking rocks and grandparents over for Sunday supper. 

When time permitted, Gerry and Dorothy were involved in the Grosse Isle United Church and Recreation Club.  They particularly enjoyed spending time and travelling with the Stonewall Oldtimers Hockey Team and cheering on the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose.  Gerry also developed an impressive collection of International Harvester toys and many weekends were spent going to toy shows to exhibit his large assortment of tractors, combines, attachments, etc. 

In 1997, Gerry and Dorothy left the farm, moving to a house in Stonewall.  In 2015, they moved to Lions Manor.  More friendships developed and they quickly became part of the Lions community.

Retirement brought the opportunity to relax.  They enjoyed fishing trips to Lake of the Prairies, travelling to places such as Arizona, Missouri, California, the Canadian East Coast, and Alaska via cruise ship.  No matter where he went, Gerry could easily start a conversation and in Stonewall, it was rare that he didn’t meet someone he knew in the coffee shop.  He enjoyed family gatherings and keeping up on what each of his children and grandchildren were doing. 

In later years Gerry’s life was deeply affected by Dorothy’s transition to Rosewood.  He tried to visit her almost every day whether with one of his children or by using his scooter, weather permitting.  He will certainly be missed by all.

On behalf of Dorothy, and Gerry’s children and grandchildren, we want to express our gratitude. 

• To the staff of the Stonewall Hospital, Dr. Wachukwu, the Home Care team and all of the people who looked after Gerry so well.  Your steady presence, help, and kind words offered so much comfort when it was most needed. We truly appreciate you.
• To the Rosewood team who welcomed Gerry each time he rolled through the doors, thank you for making him feel so appreciated and confident in your care.
• To Gerry’s many friends, past to present, thank you for being there for him, particularly in the the tough times.  He enjoyed his daily visits to the “Learning Circle” and “Chat Group”, the lunch time conversation, and when you popped in to say ‘hi’.  We are so thankful that he had the Lions community supporting him!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Stonewall Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, 166 Main Street, Stonewall, Manitoba.  (Accessible building access is available on the lower level.)

In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations can be directed to the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation (IEHF), 233A Main St., Selkirk, MB R1A 1S1 (indicate ‘In memory of Gerry Palmer’ on memo line) or online at www.iehf (see ‘In memory of Gerry Palmer’ on fund drop-down menu).

---

Comments