Oct. 28, 1937-March 27, 2022
Gerald (Jerry) Girard passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022, at his home in Hurricane, Utah. He fought many health issues and became our “Superman” after surviving four different cancers, major surgery and a broken back all in the last five years. He fought them, never complained, always saying “it is what it is”.
He was born Oct. 28. 1937, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, to the late Joseph and Mabel Girard. In 1956 he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Camp Pendelton, California. Following his service, he returned to Michigan and became a sheriff’s deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in Pontiac, Michigan. His career there lasted 33 years until he retired at the rank of lieutenant. After retirement, he and his wife Shirley traveled by RV for a year, destined to find a life in a warmer climate. They ended up residing in Las Vegas for 10 years, then moved to a beautiful location in Hurricane, where they have been for the last 17 years.
Jerry will be remembered for his wonderful and witty sense of humor, his joy of tinkering in the garage and his handyman ability to fix anything. Jerry loved trucks, traveling in their fifth wheel, visiting campgrounds, family and most always stopping at casinos along the way. He was very fond of Miller Lite, peanuts, Nutter Butter cookies and playful pranks Jerry left a heartfelt impression on those he encountered with his warmth and contagious smile.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years Shirley Girard; his adoring daughter Julie Whalen and her husband Lance Whalen, his wonderful son, Steven; his grandchildren, Anna Girard, Alexander Whalen and his wife Elizabeth, Collin Whalen and his wife Betul, and many dear and beloved nieces and nephews. He was able to meet his first great-grandson, Julian Whalen, son of Alexander and Elizabeth, just weeks before his passing. He also has an “adopted by love and friendship” little sister, Penny, who he was proud to walk down the aisle of marriage several years ago.
Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Sue Ann Girard; his brother Lewis Girard and his dear sister Luella Ginger.
He and his family are forever thankful and appreciative for the wonderful care he has received from his cancer doctor, his Hospice nurse and all the Hospice and Senior Helpers staff who made his life more kind and comfortable than one could ever imagine.