Hourigan, Gerald James; Sept. 25, 1915 -- Oct 6, 2007 - Gerald has peacefully gone to join his beloved wife Marguerite (1989). Passed away at Macassa Lodge on Saturday, October 6, 2007. Left to mourn him are his children, Gerald (Marguerite), Paul (Florence) and Sharon (Rick) and his grandchildren, Mary-Catherine, Kelly, Kristine, Kevin, Nicole. Sean and Tamara and their spouses. Proud Great Papa to Ashleigh, Justin, Robin. Brooke, Nadine, Kasey, Marley, Hayden, Claire and Sadie who will all miss him terribly.

Gerald, along with Jim Campbell, Albert Cooke and Glen Crawford are the founding members of Box 43, Canteen Service for the Hamilton Fire Department. Originally working tirelessly from the tailgate of a station wagon to the present day canteen truck they were called out on numerous multiple alarm fires to serve coffee, hot chocolate, cold drinks and sandwiches to firefighters working the fire. Gerald’s love of firefighting started while he was a member of Flight 128, No. 2 Squadron, R.C.A.F., #1 “M” Depot in Toronto during WWII on the Fire Department Crash Truck and was a source of many conversations about firefighting. He was President of the I.F.B.A. for a number of years. Gerald “Oil Can” Hourigan is a retiree from Union Gas after 32 years of faithful service. For many years Gerald drove ambulance for Clarks Ambulance/Funeral Home.

Gerald was predeceased by his brothers, James, Joseph and John Michael and his sister Marion. He leaves behind one brother William. The family wishes to than Macassa Lodge and all the attending staff for the care and compassion they have shown them during these past difficult days.