Obituary of Gerard Vaters

It is with great sadness the family of Gerard Vaters announce his passing at his US Memorial Hospital, St. Lawrence surrounded by his loving family at the age of 77 years.

Leaving to mourn with precious memories wife Patricia; daughter Laura Miller (Rod) of Rushoon; sons Kevin (Kimberly) of Rushoon, Donald (Paula) of Marystown, Douglas (Roxanne) of Rushoon; grandchildren Trevor (Hayley), Rebecca (Trevor), Dennis (Julie), Jenna, Joshua ( Nicole); great grandchildren Benjamin & Luke; brothers Aloysius (Loretta) & Joseph and many nieces and nephews; plus a large circle of other family and friends.

Gerard was  active outdoors man who taught his children the love of the outdoors, hunting, boating, skidooing. He instilled the value and importance of hard work, preservation and determination within his family. All three of his sons followed his footsteps and became pipefitters while his daughter is not only a dedicated  health care worker, she spent endless hours caring for him during the end stage of his illness and her commitment was unwavering.

Gerard was a hard worker who spent most of his work life as a pipefitter at the shipyard and Cowhead. He also spent time in the air forces which he loved to share stories of his experiences while working away. He developed many friendships over the years and whenever the surname Vaters is mentioned, people often ask “Do you know to Gerd Vaters?”. People knew him far and wide. He enjoyed his old time country favorites such as Johnny Cash, George Jones and Waylon Jennings. He could pick a tune to any old time classic and was a talented guitar player. He was also quite good at the accordion. A skill he later passed down to his grandsons.

He will be remembered for the positive things he passed on to his family.

Predeceased by parents Madeline & Aloysius Vaters,  brother Celestine, parents-in-laws Thomas & Lillian along with all the predeceased members of the Hann and Vaters families.

In Keeping with Gerard wishes cremation has taken place.

A private family funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023

The family of Gerard Vaters gratefully acknowledges special thanks to US Memorial Hospital to the Nurses & Staff, Father Cosmos & Serenity Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Burin.

                              “We listen. We learn. We walk with you.”

 

GONE FISHING

If someone should ask for me,
tell 'em heaven is where I'll be.
I've finished all my life's chores,
and now I fish on heaven's shores.

The view is grand and the fishing's great,
but I yearn for you as I wait.
I'll save a spot on the river's bend,
for all those I call family and friend.

But for now, sail out to sea
and make a cast in memory,
to all the good times that you had,
with me- your friend, your grandpa...your dad.

And if the fish no longer bite
or seem no longer worth the fight,
because it's me that you are missin',
don't worry - be glad - I've only gone fishin'.

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