CPABC in Focus - May/June 2015 | Page 43

MEMBERS IN FOCUS In Memoriam We wish to send our condolences to the family and friends of Gerry F. McKinnon, CGA (Hon.). Gerry passed away on February 13, 2015, at his home in Comox. He was 94 years old. Gerry was the first executive director of CGA-BC. He is credited with having played a pivotal role in the Association’s growth and development, and is said to have helped it establish a sense of identity in the late 1960s. For his outstanding contributions, he received an honorary CGA designation in 1981. Gerry was born on October 3, 1920, in Peterborough, Ontario. He became a decorated war veteran after serving in the Second World War, during which he was wounded during the Normandy invasion. Back on home soil, a career in industry followed, along with years of dedicated volunteer service. His early retirement, taken in 1967, was short-lived. The following year, while looking for part-time work to occupy his time, Gerry accepted a “temporary” role as executive director of CGA-BC. He ended up holding the position for almost 15 years. Gerry’s tremendous impact on CGA-BC