Supporting Close to Home Care in Surrey

With over 30 years in construction, Gerry Ladret was dedicated to creating spaces that serve, protect and connect communities.

Through an annual donation in his memory to support cancer research and care in the Fraser region — including a new second BC Cancer centre in Surrey — Gerry’s wife Sharon is ensuring his legacy of building more than just structures — but futures — will live on.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, multiple myeloma in 2021 and rectal cancer in 2023, Sharon credits BC Cancer for giving Gerry 17 added years with his family before he passed away in 2025.

Seventeen years in which he was able to spend quality time with his 11 grandchildren, launch his own successful construction business, and travel extensively with Sharon.

Gerry’s many projects included the iconic colosseum-inspired Vancouver Public Library and the Alex Fraser Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at the time. One of his greatest achievements, however, was a rental suite he built in the Ladret family home.

“He was quite proud of it because each of our children lived down there before they branched out as adults,” says Sharon. “Once our kids were gone, I opened a daycare in the space — he even built a playground in the yard.”

Gerry stayed strong and positive while facing cancer due to close-to-home care supported by his family, says Sharon. Through his and Sharon’s generosity, a new second cancer centre in Surrey will afford other patients the same opportunity.