It’s often said that ‘any man can be a father but it takes a true man to be a dad’. This really rings true for Gerald James Coreau. Dad left us in the late hours of April 19th, 2026 and is now on his journey to reunite with his wife and true love.
Gerald (Jim) was born in Chapleau, Ontario alongside his three brothers Fred, Bob, and Doug. As they grew up, their parents Dorothy and Gerry decided to move everyone to White River where dad spent his teenage years working at the local gas station as a pump attendant. The stories he shared from those early days are forever etched in our hearts. Later on, the family moved from White River to the twin cities of Port Arthur and Fort William, where he worked many years for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool on the rails before becoming a grain inspector for SWP until he retired early at age 56.
Jim had a passion for camping and fishing. He enjoyed trips to Trowbridge Falls, White Lily Lake, and Kopka Lake. Eventually, they bought a trailer at Whitefish Lake where he and mom spent some great years together until her unfortunate passing. After that, Dad sold the trailer and pretty much settled into being a homebody; it just wasn’t the same without Charlene by his side.
Jim is survived by his family: Kelvin & Mairead Coreau, Christopher & Kimberly Coreau along with grandchildren Dana, Alex, Kristopher, Jewel, Hunter. He also leaves behind his last remaining brother Doug in Australia and close friend ‘Gizmo’. Now he’s looking down from Heaven with care from his parents Joseph and Dorothy Coreau, his wife Charlene Ann Coreau, brother Fred of Winnipeg and brother Bob of Bolton, ON along with dear friend Judy Hardy. We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who supported him over these years: the staff at Toronto Hospital for giving him extra time with us; the dedicated team at TBRHSC; all his specialists who helped keep him going until almost reaching 83 years old. A special thanks goes out to Auntie Joyce; nephews Jason and Brent of Winnipeg for their prayers; Auntie Donna; niece Carrie-Lyn; nephew Jason and wife Dianna for being there while we were in Toronto. Dad requested no funeral services so he’ll be laid to rest next to Charlene soon. He’ll find happiness again being cared for by Mom.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
