Obituary of Gerald Anthony Mack

Gerald “The Mystery Man” Mack
February 8, 1946 – April 5, 2026

Gerald Mack, lovingly known to many as “The Mystery Man,” passed away in 2026 at the age of 80 years.

Gerald was born on February 8, 1946, in Stoughton, Saskatchewan, and was raised on the family farm between Estevan and Lampman. A true Saskatchewan farm boy, he attended school in Lampman to Grade 9 before beginning a lifetime of hard work and adventure.

After marriage in May of 1969, Gerald began building a life rooted in both family and the oilfield industry. Over the years, he lived in Estevan, Saskatchewan; the family farm where he was raised; Swan Hills, Blackfalds, Killam, and eventually settled in Stettler, Alberta. His career in Saskatchewan was as varied as it was dedicated, working in the oilfield, machinist, construction and farmer. He was also employed with several companies throughout his life, Esso in Swan Hills, AB; Flint in Red Deer, AB; Suncor in Lougheed, AB, Ferintosh, AB and Clive, AB areas; Glencoe in Clive AB area and Re-glycol in Stettler, AB. He always took lunch in his truck; but at lunch time when others were around they would often get into his truck, lock the doors and eat his lunch because there was always desert - and they would laugh and laugh. Known for his strong work ethic, Gerald took pride in his role as an operator—often checking his wells and compressor stations multiple times a day, always hoping to stay one step ahead of a call-out. Then when computers came into play, he found that was not for him and he left his job as an oilfield operator.

Gerald had a passion for vehicles and adventure from a young age. While still living at home on the farm, he purchased his beloved red 1967 Chevrolet Camaro right off the delivery truck—a car that certainly made an impression around town. Party lines were in effect then and one little old neighbour lady kept reporting to others that there was a red race car that kept racing by. Later in life, he treasured his rare 1977 Pontiac Skybird, and in more recent years, could be seen “racing” around town on his scooter, proudly displaying his Saskatchewan Roughriders flag. Even when mobility became a challenge, his sense of humor never faded, often joking that their newest form of “dating” was him in his wheelchair and Vivean on his scooter heading out for a ride together.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life—watching western movies (often more than once), playing cards (especially hand and foot), fishing, and spending time in his garage building birdhouses. He also loved deer hunting in his younger years and making sausage. Gerald was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, socializing, sharing stories, smoking, drinking and enjoying a laugh.

A typical Sask farm boy, he always carried some form of a jackknife as it was mandatory! Living in long term care in Heritage House in Stettler for 4 years, you weren’t allowed knives, but he managed to always get another one and come laundry day it would be in his pocket.

Gerald was a complicated person. If he believed in something strongly enough, you didn’t disagree with him because he would put you in your place – and cursing was a very normal thing for him. You heard him! And he had a temper. But he also had a good sense of humor and loved to laugh - even laughing out loud many, many times in his sleep. His friends remember his laugh. He enjoyed a good time and always enjoyed being around family and friends. He liked to tease people and joke with them. Even though he said he couldn’t talk to people, he never missed chatting with everyone he met when he was out on his scooter driving all over town.  Often, he could not lift his right leg over even a small piece of paper on the floor but his determination never stopped him from climbing the stairs inside and out of our bilevel house.  That leg lifted every time!

He had nicknames for many people and even had a few himself. In his late teenage years and early 20’s he was “Chi” or “Chez”. Once in AB working in the oilfield, he became known as “One Eye” – a private joke between friends and he carried that to his death.

Everywhere we lived, we seemed to always have the party house which the kids carried on as they grew up (sometimes when Mom and Dad were gone). Our homes were always a welcome place to gather.

Gerald took great pride in his three grandchildren, and his eyes would light up at the mention of their names. They brought him immense joy.

He also had a lifelong fondness for travel, exploring destinations such as Las Vegas, California, Mexico, British Columbia, Toronto, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Houston, Texas—where he fulfilled a dream of visiting The Alamo. In later years, he enjoyed several cruises, including the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Alaska (his dream trip), and going down the west coast from Vancouver.

Gerald was a fanatic about his hands and feet. He had a different pair of gloves for everything that he did. There are still two pairs of gloves in HIS truck since his 2016 stroke when he was unable to drive anymore. And it was HIS last truck which he would not allow to be sold because he had put every mile on it himself. After his strokes and trouble with his right leg and foot he kept buying different shoes (that were rarely worn before he had to buy a new pair). The collection at home is at least 25 pairs. The glove collection is about the same and the knife collection is not far behind.

Watching TV was his entertainment. It didn’t matter if other people were around or not, but if he found something funny, he would burst out laughing out loud. It seemed awkward at first, but family got used to it because he did it often. 

When he sneezed, it wasn’t once or twice but nine or ten times – and then he would swear!

In 2016 and again in 2019, Gerald suffered major strokes that significantly impacted his mobility. Despite rehabilitation efforts, his health continued to decline, and in 2025, he underwent a below-the-knee amputation. After ten long years of health struggles, Gerald is now at peace.

Gerald will be remembered for his strength, his stubborn independence, his humor, and his unmistakable presence. His life was full, his personality unforgettable, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Vivean Mack; son Chad (Julie) Mack; daughter Jennifer (Angelo) Renzulli; grandchildren Olivia Mack, Zdeno Renzulli and Kalila Renzulli;  sisters: Linda Mack, Donalda (Nairn) Bannatyne, Carmela Mack,  Audrey Mack (Al) and Charlene Mack; sisters-in-law Elaine (Britt) Gedak, Donalda (Ron) Eisler, Pat (Ed) Hutt, Brenda (Mark) Walliser, Margaret Daoust, Kathy Daoust and Karen Mack; brother-in-law Bill Daoust; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gerald is predeceased by parents Tony and Katte Mack; brother Harvey Mack; parents-in-law Leon and Sadie Daoust; brothers-in-law Gaylord Daoust, Percy Daoust; sister-in-law Sister Audrey Daoust.

A Come & Go Celebration of Life

Saturday, April 25, 2026      

from 3:00 – 7:30 P.M.

Studio 48/Gear Up (5009-48^th Street), Stettler, Alberta

Memorial donations may be made to Stettler Health Services Foundation – Palliative Care, Bag 500, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, Christ King Catholic Church, Box 368, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0 or to Heart Haven, 6011 50 Ave., Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L2.