Gerard (Gerry) Patrick McAuley, 77, of Vulcan County Alberta peacefully passed into eternity on May 13, 2026.
Gerry was born March 10, 1949, in Montreal the youngest child of loving parents. As a child he enjoyed playing football in the streets of Rosemount and St. Marie. Early on he developed an intense fondness of reading demonstrating an incredible memory for history, music and film. He spent many Saturday afternoons viewing movies at the local theatre when one dollar bought a double feature. From a very young age he played the role of peacemaker, on the playground and later as an adult. His easy manner and sense of humour often resulted in turning the heat down in a conflict. In Montreal he developed a lifelong passion for smoked meat sandwiches, steamie hotdogs and the only hockey team that mattered; The Montreal Canadiens.
After a couple of years in university studying journalism, he decided to make use of his strong vocal ability and love of music. In 1973 he moved to Stephenville Newfoundland and began his career as a radio announcer. There he married and started a family. In 1979 they moved to Fort McMurray Alberta where he worked as an operator at the Suncor Refinery. He especially enjoyed camping with his sons David and Ryan. A natural performer, he often told amusing stories of his time working with the interesting characters in the Oil and gas industry. After 23 years of frigid weather and night shifts he retired from Suncor in March 2003 and moved to Canmore Alberta. There he found his true calling as an actor, performing in many theatre productions with Pine Tree Players, Theatre Canmore and Morpheus Theatre. He often spoke of the great joy he received working with fellow actors, especially the friendship of many talented young people. He also was an active volunteer for many years with the Canmore Folk Festival and the Canmore Friends of the Library. He continued his love of music by attending musical festivals throughout Alberta. In 2020 he moved from Canmore with his friend and companion Melanie DesRoches and after a year in Nanton, they settled on a regenerative ranch in Vulcan County. Gerry adapted quickly from being a city boy to the rural life, especially operating the ride-on lawnmower and sitting in the sunshine with a glass of scotch, a cigar and the companionship of his beloved dogs Jack and Layla. He could, however, never be convinced to milk a goat. He enjoyed road trips to thrift shops and yard sales where he collected favourite movie DVDs, books and especially vinyl records, which he added to his impressive collection. Due to his powerful speaking voice, he was a favourite lector reader at his beloved church St. Andrew’s. He often joked that attendance at church was higher on the days he read. In winters he and Melanie enjoyed many wonderful trips to the warmer climates including Mexico, Europe, Florida and Hawaii.
He is predeceased by his father Bernard McAuley and his mother Emma McAuley née Shannon and survived by his friend and companion Melanie DesRoches, his ex-wife Geri Pretty, sons David McAuley (Olivia Olsen), Ryan McAuley (Patty Martin), Stepsons Jeremy DesRoches (Julie Tran DesRoches), Andrew DesRoches, grandchildren Gabriel and Miyla, extended grandchildren Sierra, Malyek, and Jaxon and brothers Steven McAuley (Myrna) and Brian(Paula) and their children Alanna, Sonja, Carrie and Kieran.
Gerry will be forever remembered as a loving, joyful and talented brother, father, grandfather and friend. May he rest in peace and may his soul be welcomed into the arms of God.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday May 20, 2026, 11 am St Andrew's Catholic Church 390 1 St S, Vulcan Alberta. Reception to follow in church hall. Internment at 1 pm Vulcan Cemetery.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.
