It is with immense sorrow that the family of Gerald Joseph McHugh announce his passing at his residence on January 6, 2015, after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Left to mourn the passing of this gentle, kind man, with broken hearts but many beautiful memories, are his beloved and devoted wife of 56 years, Ann, who was his loving caregiver up to the moment of his passing, his pride and joy, his children, Susan, Paula, Brian (Alison), Michael (Charlene), Cathy (John), and David, cherished grandchildren Jeffrey, Michael, Jenny, Mikey, Jamie, Andrew, Robyn, David, Terri, Jordan, Erica, Becky, and Evan, and great-grandchildren Breyandra, André, Kaden, Charlotte, Greyson and Owen; and his dear sisters and brothers, Julia, Bernadette, Eugene, Bernard, Richard, and Carl. Gerald was predeceased by his beloved sister Geraldine, his dear brothers Reginald, Edward, and Patrick, and his much-loved son-in-law, Rod. Gerald also leaves to mourn his passing his special relatives, Marion and David Cook, friends and neighbours, Wally and Helen Vincent, long-time family friend, Mary Brake, and his dedicated Home Care worker, Donna Mitchell and a wide circle of relatives and friends. Thank you to his long - time physician, Dr. Carl Sparrow, and the staff of Urology, WMRH. Gerald was a true gentleman, always putting others first, and he will be deeply missed. Cremation has taken place, in accordance with Gerald’s wishes. Visitation will take place from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9 from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Fillatre‘s, 218 Curling Street. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Parish in Curling on Saturday January 10th at 10:30 a.m., where Gerald was a long-time volunteer. The family would be honoured to receive donations in Gerald’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of NL or Sacred Heart Parish, Curling, or flowers will be gratefully accepted. Dad is finally home.

An Alzheimer’s Poem, Author Unknown

Do not ask me to remember;
Don’t try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you’re with me;
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I am confused beyond all concept;
I feel alone, so sad and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.

Please don’t lose your
patience with me;
Never scold, please; do not cry.
I don’t understand the way I’m acting;
I can’t be different, although I try.

Just remember that I need you,
For my essence is not gone.
Please don’t fail to stand beside me;
Love me until my life is done.
“I did.”