It’s with heavy hearts that the family of Gerald ‘Gerry’ Omar Carmen Bakken, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, announce his passing on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Innisfail, Alberta, at the age of 88 years. Gerry was born in January of 1938, in Coronation, Alberta. He was the middle of five children and was raised with a strong connection to farming, impeccable work ethic, committed values, and great devotion to family and the Lord. He was born during the Silent Generation, and lived true to this name as a strong, silent, frugal, and resilient man. Gerry was goal-oriented and intentional with all that he did, loved routine, and prioritized resourcefulness. He also enjoyed the simplicities of life, driving around checking crops and making ice cream stops, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.

After high school, Gerry received his Lab Technician certificate and also went to SAIT and completed his 1st Class Power Engineering. While working at a gas plant in Pincher Creek, he met the love of his life, Rose. They were married in 1961 and spent a devoted 59 years together, until her untimely passing in 2020. They had two sons, James “Jim” and Timothy “Tim” and lived in Pincher Creek and Edson, before settling in Olds. Over the years, they enjoyed taking family trips to Oregon, road tripping to Arizona in their motorhome, and flying to Mexico, British Columbia, and other places in his airplane. Gerry received his pilot’s license in his early 40’s, and his love for flying took him on numerous adventures and introduced him to many people with the same passion. He took pleasure in taking various business and recreational trips in his prized Beechcraft Bonanza, with Rose and others as his co-pilot. He also enjoyed fishing, playing baseball, and camping, and was a member of the Olds Legion, the Elks Club, the Olds-Didsbury Flying Club, and Skywings Aviation Academy.

Gerry acted as a mentor and teacher to many, whether it be through flying lessons, business projects, farming, or the provision of various pearls of wisdom. He became known as a steadfast businessman who had many endeavors on the go. He was also a proud and loyal man with a big heart, who enjoyed taking on any challenges that may arise. Gerry was a Power Engineer for over 30 years and worked many of those in the Olds Gas Plant. In 1973, he opened a service station and restaurant and then purchased a mini mall in the 1980’s. In 1974, he decided to keep pursuing his entrepreneurial heritage and went back to his roots, farming cattle and land. Throughout his life, he purchased numerous parcels of land and buildings around Olds and Central Alberta; creating a name and legacy within the community.

Gerry will be deeply missed by his sons Jim (Susan); Tim (Peggy); sister Ruth (George); grandchildren Alexandria, Kyle, James, and Katie; nieces Christine, Carolyn, and Marla; and nephews, Brian, Michael, and Jerrett; as well as by members of the Funfer family and other treasured friends, family and community members. He was predeceased by his wife Rose; sister Vivian; brothers Donald and David; parents Carl and Helene; and many cherished friends and family members. A special thank you also goes out to Gerry’s angels, Nancy Hanson, Susan Bakken, and Marla Bakken whose care and compassion were a true blessing. He will be lovingly remembered, and his dedication, determination, humility, and kindness will continue to act as an inspiration to all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta at www.parkinsonassociation.ca or the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta at www.alzheimer.ca/ab.

A Celebration of Gerry and Rose’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105, 5241 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta, on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Olds), 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta 403.507.8610.

• Date : 2026-08-01
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610