Gerald (Jerry) Norman Treen of Swift Current, SK. passed away June 17, 2016 at the Cypress Regional Hospital at the age of 86 years. A funeral service was held Wednesday June 22, 2016 at the Sky Centre, Living Sky Casino with Pastor Bradley Julien officiating. The music was played by Glenna Switzer. The internment was at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current; arrangements were made by Warrens Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Chris Bowyer, Wayne Bowyer, Rizqi Ibrahim, Rob Kruse, Christopher Mackie and Doug Treen. Honourary Pallbearers were all who shared in Gerald's life. Ushers were Gerry Bourgeois, Dave Chan, Tim Countryman and Blair Van Kannel. Gerald is survived by his children: Dianne (Rizqi), Geraldine (Rob), Darrin (Jacqualine); good friend Marlene Dolter; grandchildren: Sasha (Wayne), Kristie (Fabrice), Alysa (John), Janelle (Chris), Kailey, Rebecca, Tim; great grandchildren: Amélie, Justine, Calla, "Charlie", Maisie, Cambrie, Bryson, Gracelyn; sister Gwenneth (Robin); sisters-in-law: Ruby, June, Jan, Phyllis, Irene; brother-in-law John Gattinger (Danny); many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Gerald is predeceased by his wife of 63 years Vi (Gattinger), mother Bertha (Lambert), father Lewis Treen, sister Dorothy, brothers Russell, Clayton, Glen and Harold. Gerald got his start in the meat business at age 14 after completing Grade 8. He worked in Gull Lake, then in Regina at Foodland for a short time. After moving back to Gull Lake he met, Viola (Vi) Gattinger, and the two were married on December 19, 1948. They moved to Swift Current in 1951 where Gerald started his first meat market at the back of Patterson Grocery. Within a few years he owned the whole grocery store (the location is now the Akropol Cafe). On November 1, 1957, Gerald, Russell and Clayton Treen opened Treen Packers. A few years later Gerald became the sole owner and operated the business for 59 years. Gerald was a meat cutter, livestock buyer, and entrepreneur. He enjoyed his work, and his social nature meant that many business associates also became friends. He worked hard and played hard. He loved excitement and fun. Gerald and Vi often entertained friends and hosted many social gatherings. Trips south to Las Vegas were spontaneous and frequent over the years. Gerald and Vi were avid bridge players, attending enthusiastic games with friends and at duplicate bridge tournaments. Gerald played the game so well and so often that he became a life master. Over time, Gerald's interest turned to Texas Holdem. He spent many games in the number 5 seat at the card table, enjoying the fellowship of the other players. He was an avid baseball fan, frequently frustrated that the Blue Jays were not following his coaching from his armchair! Gerald loved people and was friendly with everyone; able to start a conversation with anyone he met, regularly inviting them to "stop by anytime". He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.