It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard George Wilson, suddenly in Barrie, on Sunday January 21st, 2018, at the age of 55. His birth certificate may have held the name Gerard but for his whole life, he was affectionately known as Gerry. One notable exception: when his mother or father were less than pleased, a stern “Gerard” would be heard. Predeceased by his mother Jean. Beloved husband of Cheryl (Walker), cherished son of George, and the fun-loving big brother of Teresa, Darren and P.J. And, it will be noted, in the words of the youngest, P.J., “He was the proud instigator of friendly mischief and fun.” Gerry was very close to his aunt Yvonne (known to all Wilsons as “auntie”), her son Paul, and his two daughters Jahnari and Nyah. Gerry was also loved by his nieces Simone and Noelle (daughters of Darren), and he adored them right back. Gerry was always a devoted son of his mom Jean, who many years ago taught him to handle a kitchen. Needless to say, Gerry was the author of many a delectable meal at his and Cheryl’s home. From an early age, Gerry was involved with the world around him. Countless hockey, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, basketball, rugby and football teams through the years, with a special pride in the Red, Blue and Gold of the Eastview Wildcats. He also was a talented singer with the famed Eastview Choir. Over the last three decades, Gerry continued his love of sport by playing for and or coaching, numerous hockey and baseball teams, the last 10 or so years especially, with women’s hockey and baseball teams that Cheryl played on. But it wasn’t just on the field or the rink that Gerry forged respect and friendship. Together with Cheryl for the last several years, the couple has donated countless hours and consistent energy to helping the Barrie Out of the Cold program, and the David Busby Centre. Gerry also was a proud member of the Masonic lodge. On an immediate level, if a neighbour ever needed a hand with a project or a problem, Gerry never hesitated. As P.J. says, “He was the resident family foreman.” If you knew Gerry, you liked him. It was that simple. He will be missed by friends and by those who he worked with at Channel Industries in Bradford. His chores there kept him very busy but he found it to be an extremely invigorating environment. As Cheryl would say, he loved it there, and never considered it work. Cheryl is, Gerry never tired of saying, a pretty Northern Ontario girl. They met at the University of Windsor in the early 1980’s and it wasn’t long before Gerry was forging strong bonds with Cheryl’s family, the Walkers of Sault Ste. Marie. Gerry would regale friends and family with hilarious stories that got their start in the great outdoors, with Cheryl’s dad Dave and her brother Scott. He was a favourite of Cheryl’s mother Deanna and Scott’s wife Carla along with their two sons Lucas (Megan) and Jonathan. He loved the Walkers. Through the love of Gerry and Cheryl, one big family of Walkers and Wilsons was created. And the two “boys”; Their names are Seamus and Duncan, each of them with four paws and all the love a pet could hope for. Gerry was always himself, and radiated a likeable, warm and welcoming presence to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by many. Family and friends are invited to help celebrate the life of Gerry on Friday January 26th, 2018 at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 201 Minets Point Road, Barrie; 2pm to 4pm, and 7 pm to 9 pm. A funeral mass will be held Saturday January 27th, 2018, 10 am, at St. Mary’s Church, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie. If desired, donations may be made to the David Busby Street Centre (Barrie), Barrie Out of The Cold, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Links to Desired organizations:
Barrie out of the Cold:
https://barrieoutofthecold.org/
Busby Centre:
http://www.busbycentre.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation:
http://www.heartandstroke.ca/