Gerald M Bolen

Gerald Michael Bolen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Gerry Bolen.

Dad was born in Bracken, Saskatchewan, on July 28, 1935 to Fred and Mary Bolen. They later moved to McLennan, Alberta where they bought their farm and expanded the family to include four more boys, Ron, Melvin, John and Stanley.

It was on that farm that he first learned the values of hard work and honesty—qualities he carried with him throughout his life. At just 18 years old, he left the farm and headed west to begin the next chapter of his journey.

Being a tall and very strong man, he easily found work logging in Invermere and Kamloops. One of his supervisors quickly recognized his potential and admired his strong work ethic. Seeing something special in him, this man encouraged and supported him in becoming a lineman. That opportunity marked the beginning of Dad’s lifelong career as a lineman with BC Hydro.

While on his work travels in Smithers he met the love of his life, Nancy Price. A short time later, they were married and went on to spend the rest of their lives together, building a life filled with love and devotion. Together they raised three children: Lisa (George), Kevin (Shannon), and Natalie (Ross). He was also blessed with many beautiful grandchildren and adorable great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Dad loved his family dearly and enjoyed many fishing trips with them. The mercury logging campsite on Babine Lake was one of his favourite weekend getaways. He spent a lot of evenings fishing at Moricetown catching huge, beautiful salmon that filled the canner and freezer for winter. All three kids have many fond memories of Dad happily giving Mom a break by taking them to small lakes fishing on the weekends.

Dad never complained and never said a bad word about anyone. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his honesty and his love for his wife and family.

We all knew Dad’s determination to live was fuelled by his commitment to take care of Mom, so that she could live in her own home and spend her time in their garden until the end of her life. He grew amazing carrots and huge potatoes. Although I’m not sure that gardening was his passion, I do know that Dad was passionate about Mom, so he worked hard in their beautiful garden to see her smile.

Mom passed away on January 13, 2026. Dad took comfort in knowing he had fulfilled his lifelong commitment to her with love and devotion. Just a short time later, on February 16, 2026 he peacefully went to rest, reunited with the love of his life.

Our Father’s love is forever printed on our hearts.

A funeral will be held at the St. James Anglican Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am.

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