Major (Retired) Gerald Hinderks

Hinderks, Gerald Joseph Major retired passed away at the age of 86.  Married for 63 years to his loving wife Lynne.  Predeceased by a son, Robert, age 10, a sister, Marion, age 4, brothers Bernard (Angela), Donald (Amelia), and Arthur (Helen).  Father of son Jeffrey and daughter Marni, grandfather of Jessie, Michael, Jacob and Liam, great grandfather of Asher.

Born in Watson, Saskatchewan.  He boarded at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, Saskatchewan, for high school.  After farming with his father and a short career with Alberta Telephones, he enrolled in a Lab and Xray course in Regina.  There he met and fell in love with Lynne.  They both worked for a year in small Saskatchewan hospitals before enrolling in the University of Saskatchewan training program for medical laboratory technology.  Upon graduation, Jerry joined the RCAF as a medical laboratory technologist.  He was soon selected to spend 4 yrs at the University of Saskatchewan where he earned an honours degree in biochemistry.  He was granted a commission in the RCAF and promoted to be the biochemist at the National Defense Medical Centre in Ottawa, where he worked for the next 25 years.  While there, he completed the courses for a PhD at Ottawa University.

Following retirement from the Forces in 1988, he worked as a consultant for Douglass Laboratories and the biochemistry division of several Ottawa and valley hospitals.  He truly enjoyed his work and the people he worked with.

Obviously, if you read what my dad wrote for his obituary above, you will know he is a very factual and accomplished man.  But here is what he won’t tell you about himself.  He was fun at a party and could play guitar and piano by ear.  He would sing and play all night if you wanted him to.  He loved music, but his own, not that stuff the kids listen to.  He and mom could clear a dance floor when they started to jive.  It was something to see.

He loved squash, golf, hiking and water skiing.  He belonged to the Rideau Trail group and compiled one of their guidebooks. He worked hard and could fix anything from a car to a toaster, rebuilding two pianos and finishing two basements along the way.  He could build anything from a cottage to stain glass lamps.  He was well respected by all who knew him.  He was a great and patient teacher.  He was a scientist.

He planned well for his retirement and then lived the dream travelling with the love of his life around the world.  I think they ran out of places they wanted to go. 

He set a good example for all.  He loved mom for 64 years and was her rock.  His love was silent and steadfast and strong.  His love for his children was a powerful and protective love.  He always did what he thought was best and he always gave everything all that he had.  He never complained and dealt with Parkinson’s with grace and acceptance, despite all the indignities it inflicts.  He would not want people to be sad that he is gone.  He would want us all to live our life to the fullest.  So that is what we will do in your name, dad.  You guided us well.  You can rest easy now.  Love Marni and Jeff.

A celebration of life will be held when we are able to be together.  Tributes and condolences  at www.beechwoodottawa.ca

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson’s Canada.