Gerard Joseph Bedard (Flat, Wire, Giddy) passed away peacefully after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. Many thought he had at least nine lives as he challenged the odds many times over the years.
Gerard was predeceased by his parents, Claire and Willemina Bedard, and his older brother Hank. He is survived by his sister Betty, brother-in-law, Stephen, and their daughters Jessica (Derek) and Alisha; his sister Clara and her son, Michael; and Hank’s children and grandchildren Robert and Evelyn (Sydney & William), Mike and Laura (Harrison), Tom and Jodi (Cassidy & Tatum) and Nicole (Tess &Tadhg).
Gerard worked out West for a period of time before returning to Goderich where he worked as a welder for a Champion (Volvo). He also worked for the Parks and Works Department, Town of Goderich, until he retired early due to health issues.
Gerard was a unique individual who loved life and had a legendary sense of humour. He had a strong connection to St Peter’s Catholic Church. He loved to dance in his younger years and loved to play a game of cards, euchre and cribbage being his favourites. Gerard played at the Legion and the MacKay Centre. Gerard loved to ‘order you up’ when he had nothing in his hand, euchre you, and then chuckle about it.
The family would like to thank Dr Lenehan and his team at the London Regional Cancer Program, and Dr Steinmann and Dr Neal for the time and energy they put into Gerard’s care. The compassion and care given by the staff at Maitland Manor is truly appreciated – many thanks. Deep gratitude as well to his brother-in-law, Stephen Bidwell, whose support and care, in the form of taking Gerard to countless appointments, advocating for him, visiting, and seeing to his comfort and care, extended and enriched Gerard’s life.
Gerard’s wish to be cremated has been honoured and a private funeral will be held. A celebration of Gerard’s life and reception will be held at the Goderich Legion on Tuesday September 27 from 5-7 PM. Anyone interested may join in the Tuesday Night Euchre from 7-9 PM at the Legion, pre-registration for euchre appreciated. Gerard will be missed by his loving family.
Shared by Marcie Lumby Thomas
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Mark Schmidt
Gerard, my family and yours were connected at an early age. I can remember at a young age, living two houses down on Park St and visiting your parents(my god-parents). We both have had some struggles over the years but now you are with the Lord and although I have been tasked on giving up a few times, I live a quiet family life in Yellowknife.
May God bless you and keep you in his countenance forever more.
Marcie Lumby Thomas
Such a beautiful soul, radiating good humour and kindness, everywhere, to everyone
Janice Kinahan
My deepest sympathy Betty, Clara and families. End of an “era” for sure, Gerard touched so many people and will live on in their memories.
Brenda Million Lenzin
Betty, Clara and families condolences on the passing of Jetty. Thoughts are with you.
Christine Mach
Many fond memories of Gerard.
My condolences to you all.
Sharron Durst
My sincerest sympathies to all of Gerard’s lived ones. Lots of fun memories from our teen years.
Steve & Sally (Everett) Rathwell
So sorry to hear of Gerard’s passing and send our sympathies to the Bedard family
Carol Miller
My condolences to the Bedard Family. Dance like there is no one watching Getty and save one for me till we meet again.💕
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Gerard’s family and extended family.
Jim & Mona Mulhern
Lesley Walker
To Gerard”s families and his extended families I am heartbroken of this news
Like everyone I have so many fond memories of him. I was honoured to have him in my corner and as a friend. Thank you Wire. RIP my love till we meet again
sydne thurlow-white
Some knew you as Gerard, most knew you as Flat. But for our family you were always Bud. there wasn’t a single weekend you didn’t visit for coffee, a birthday you missed, or leaving without making sure you got a hug and letting me know how proud of me you were. i’ll always cherish the love you shared with my family. thank you for the endless thumbs up and big hugs. i’ll forever be grateful to have known you and to have you cheering me on. you always told me to be careful in my career and to never give up no matter how tough it gets. So my promise to you is to not take any crap from any kids, and live my life to the fullest. thank you for being apart of my life, and know you’ll never be forgotten bud.
xo syd!
Janet & David Kyle
Even though we did not personally get to meet Gerard it is with a heavy heart we hold his family in our hearts and thoughts.
Barbara Desjardins
Betty, Stephen and family – my deepest sympathies are with you – may your sweet memories of Flat (as I knew him) soften your grief in the coming days.
Karin Thurlow
My condolences to the Bedard family. R.I.P. Gerard, you will be missed.
Wendy Chase
Like many, I have great memories of hanging out with Gerard, Clara and Paul Spain. He was one of a kind!
David Gibbs
Gerard is an iconic part of Goderich and the early 70’s. I was 8 years younger but our love of music and the times we were living in bonded me and many others to unforgettable memories of Jed and the most beautiful gatherings you could imagine. And some not so great moments. He was the real deal. Jed was our light man for a while when I played in Sugarfoot with George Schram, Rob Sherwood and Paul Allen. I remember playing in Detroit at 18 and being confident knowing Gerard always had my back. We had so much fun. Jed was a good man and was such a character but always real and sincere. I am sad to hear of his passing. I still hear the laughter man. Rest well my friend. See you on the other side of the room.
John Connie Harrison
Condolences to the Bedard Family.
Gwyn Hastings
My condolences to Gerard’s family, such a great guy, he will be missed.
Dan and Trudy Burns/Kernighan
Our sincere condolences to Clara, Betty and the extended families. We had some fun together. A very generous and fun loving person Gerard was. R.I.P.
Shirley Erb
To all of Gerards family. Played cards against him and loved every minute of it. My sympathy goes out to all of you. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diana Glousher
Wow Flat so many memories you where one of a kind. RIP my friend
Joyce Kuran
My condolences to the entire Bedard family. May Gerard rest in peace.
Sincerely, Joyce Kuran
Brent Little
My condolences to the Bedard family. Gerard was a great friend to the Littles way back when i was a kid. I had very fond memories of Flat babysitting us 3 kids. He was a kind and gentle person tied up in a tough exterior.
Brittany Roloson
My memory of Flat ( Gerard) was when he helped me get my license. He taught me how to parell Park. I’m sorry for ur loss and my thoughts and prayers are with u and your family.
Shirley Darbyson
So sorry for your loss. My husband Steve worked with Ged at the Works Dept. I remembered him being a friendly, happy guy. Sympathy to all the family.
Wayne Ladd
I moved to new Westminster bc in the 70s. Me and Flat shared a house for awhile he was a great friend and he had a heart of gold he will be missed
Jim Everett
Sorry to hear of your loss. I really never hung around with Gerard, he was more my brother Bob’s age, but I can remember when I saw him he always had a sile or laughing and talking with everyone.
Dan DeMers
Memories are many and Geddy was a kind old soul,R.I.P. Gerard
Kathy Driscoll
Played cards and had him for a partner he loved the game and will be miss very much my condolence to the family
Joan Sproul
Condolences to the family at this sad time
Cathy Harman
My deepest sympathy to Gerard families. He was a great guy..full of jokes and Always smiling. He was a great co worker to work with when we worked for the Town of Goderich Parks & Works Depts. I either called him Flat or Ewok.
RIP ❤️
Richelle Paesano (nee Wright)
I am so sad to hear of Gerard’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of my cousin when I was growing up and spending a lot of time in Goderich with my family. His laughter and enthusiasm were contagious. Gerard loved getting into the crazy card games that went on every time my family was in Goderich. I remember when I was small that it took a little time on the side lines before Uncle Claire, Uncle Tony, my mom, Uncle Terry, Uncle Neil and Uncle John would let him join in those games of Solo. Maybe, this happened because there was just so much swearing, gambling and table thumping going on!
Gerard loved bluegrass music. My sister, her husband, my husband and I all had the opportunity to join him at one such festival in Goderich many, many years ago. Everyone around seemed to know Gerard and we had a great time together. I will cherish all the memories I have of Gerard.
Kim Munroe
I am saddened to hear of my best friend Gerard’s passing. I will always cherish our memories of the good times we had through the laughter and the tears. The many road trips, visits, calls and weekend endeavors. Gerard was not only my closest friend of 40 plus years, he was my family. He treated my children and grand daughter like they were his own. He had a heart of gold and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Anyone that knew Flat would have to agree. I will forever miss you my friend. Let your wings soar and finally free of pain. I love you Bud…XOXOXO My heartfelt condolences to the family and many, many friends.
Nancy and Junior White
Our sincere sympathy to Gerard’s family and friends at this sad time
doug bugs bowers
Flat was a great buddy, lots of memories…Bugs