Obituary of JAMES GESSNER

James Gessner It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of James (Jim) Gessner on August 4, 2012. After a brief battle with cancer, Jim left this world with family by his side to be with his beloved wife Elaine. He is survived by daughters Jody, Shauna (Stefan), son John (Meaghan), grandson Jadon, sister Rosemarie (Ray), their children; Greg (Kathy), Cheryl (Joe), Charlene (Garth), and great-nieces, Carly and Lindsey. He is predeceased by his wife Elaine, his parents John and Elizabeth Gessner, his great-niece Cassie, and his cat Tiger. Jim was born in Saskatchewan where he has fond memories of growing up on the family farm in Glenavon. He spent much of his youth playing hockey, baseball, and curling. As a young man he moved to Winnipeg to begin his career in social work, which led him to employment at Luther Home where he filled many positions for over 30 years. All of the staff and residents there held a special place in his heart. Luther Home is where Jim met Elaine, the love of his life, whom he was married to for 31 years. Together they were blessed with three children whom Jim was very proud of. He was a man who loved his family and would put them before anything. He was the master of "worrying" about his children because he cared so much. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed being the joker of the crowd. Many summers were spent at the family cottage in Matlock, which Jim bought for Elaine for her 40th birthday. He spent his cottage days biking through Matlock and enjoying hot afternoon swims with family and friends. You could always find Jim on the deck working on his tan, beer in hand and steaks on the grill. We would like to send a special thanks to the staff on 5E at St. Boniface Hospital for their care and support during Jim’s last days of life. We as a family have been blessed to have Jim in our lives as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. We are all better people for having him in our lives and will cherish his memory always! Memorial service will be held on Saturday August 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada or The Winnipeg Humane Society. WE LOVE YOU! Jody, Shauna, and John