Gerry and his dad Gerald were hard-working fishermen. It was late May, the best time of year for lobster fishing. There were just four days left of the lobster season and it was a rough day on the water.
They were on their last pot "on the outside," which meant it was in deeper water and much less sheltered from the weather and waves, in an area called Hells Gates. A rogue wave is said to have overtaken their boat.
Neither Gerry nor his dad had flotation devices on; nor did they know how to swim. Friends, family and a community held out hope as search and rescue teams combed the waters and shore line. Their bodies were found the next day.
Gerry's girlfriend Jennifer Bonin - his first and only love - was at work when she got the news that no one should ever have to get. Gone were their plans to get married, build a house, have children. All lost in one day.
"When Gerry died, I felt like I lost myself," says Jennifer. "He was my best friend."
Gerry faced life with a smile and a sense of adventure. A fun-loving guy with lots of friends, he enjoyed boating, sport fishing, four-wheeling and just hanging out at his camp.
It was Jennifer who introduced Gerry to travelling and together they went to places near and far, including Newfoundland and Cuba. On their last trip - just a month and a half before Gerry died - they visited Croatia and Paris.
"We went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower and saw the most breathtaking views of the city," recalls Jennifer. "I'll never forget our trip to Paris."