It is with deepest sorrow that the family of Algermon Robert Trimm of Forteau at the age of 77 years, announces his passing on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 at Labrador South Health Centre (LTC) Forteau. Leaving to mourn his wife Gladys; children: Gaius (Doreen), Bonnie (Cecil), Lois (Gerard) and Dwayne (Kinza); grandchildren: Christopher (Shelagh), Traci (Mark), Heather, Mika, Matthew, Mark, Alexis and Zachery. He was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Elsie Trimm.
Many knew Algermon Robert Trimm in your own personal way. And many can give in two words very quickly that would describe the man he was. Dad had a vigorous personality, a man with vibrant traits. He was raised as an only child by his aunt and uncle who were the best parents one would ask for, Stanley and Elsie Trimm. He was the centre of their world and even though in those days when resources were few and times were difficult for many, he was in need of nothing because of them. I believe it was very clear to everyone around him that he was proud of his upbringing and the way he was raised, and he too wanted to treat others the very same way.
Dad married the love of his life in August 1961 and together they had four children. They were a strong team with the ability to handle the upsets and problems that life presents to us. They were raising their family, sharing the load, loving each other and their children and life was going well. He loved to work and he provided a great life for his family. While many of his friends may have laughed and said “Algermon is always doing it the hard way”, it was because he had a drive for perfection and a zeal to do things well. From sawmills to heavy equipment, to fishing boats and automotive repairs, he wasn't shy about turning his hand at any task that came his way and if the task didn't come his way, he went looking for it.
Making a living was difficult under the best of circumstances in the early days, so my father spent most of his life working away from home in places like Churchill Falls as a construction worker. He also worked on a seasonal basis as a mechanic with the Department of Transportation.
In 1978 he made the decision to put that way of life aside and start a new life on the sea, fishing side by side his 17-year-old son, Gaius. Fishing was booming in those days and Dad decided to get involved. He was a leader and he wanted to pass on the skills to Gaius and he wanted him to be successful. It was with his drive for success and his interest to make a better life for his family and those around him that he started this new venture. He didn't fear hard work, and had a willingness to take calculated business risks. Taking this and his gut instinct that this move would be best for the family.
On May 26, 1980, he and the crew, including his son Gaius, left Cow Head on their boat to begin fishing. It was a brilliant, beautiful, spring day when the four man crew steamed the “Sea Queen”, a vessel fifty-three feet long, out to about 25 miles offshore to begin their work. It was a day that brought with it a tragic event that changed the course of his life and the life of his family. He was just 43 years old when his future as an active man was stolen and his life forever altered. Not one of us can enter into what Dad went through in the years since the accident. His thoughts and heart were out doing what every other man along this coast was doing. Dad struggled with this and no doubt he asked the question “why” many times.
Dad was a problem solver and while he could no longer do the things he desired to do, anything he could do – he did. Dad found great satisfaction in seeing his children and grandchildren find professional careers and achieve accomplishments. When he saw heavy equipment moving, a cement drum turning or hearing of his daughter or granddaughter graduating and/or accepting promotions, he was proud and filled with joy and satisfaction. This man we knew was our dad, our grandfather and our leader. He called often, he called to encouraged, he called to check, he called to be sure – THAT WAS OUR DAD.
The remainder and much of Dad's life was filled with sickness and struggles and countless precious moments. He was fortunate to have the support of not just his family but also a large circle of friends. He had many great friends and neighbours, people that were there for him when he called and he did call often.
It was bitter sweet as we said goodbye to a man whom we love and was very proud off, a man who demonstrated leadership no matter the adversity and a man with such spiritual values. We memorialize a man that any one of us could learn a lesson from, a man that many of us learned the greatest lessons from. We hope and pray that we are a testament to the love and life lessons that he instilled in every one of us.
With a body brand new, I'll enter that city
And I'll walk down the streets
ON LEGS SURE AND STRONG
Through brand new eyes, I'll gaze on his beauty
I'll have a body brand new, when I reach my home
Written by: daughter - Bonnie Trimm (Davis)