Saturday, February 20, 2021
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Gerry built a cedar strip canoe after retiring. His craftsmanship and attention to detail produced one of the most beautiful canoes that could easily have been on display in a museum or art gallery. Being a young family who camped often, we didn’t feel we could afford to rent canoes every time we went so Gerry offered us the use of his. As luck would have it, we scratched the bottom of the canoe quite badly and I was sick with worry about how we were going to explain it to him upon our return, but Gerry took it in stride, laughing it off and telling us how happy he was that his Grandchildren were getting to use it. He then gave us the canoe on our next camping trip so we’d never have to feel bad if it got scratched again.
This was my father-in-law, he never had a harsh word for anyone (not even politicians!) and went out of his way to put you at ease. He was a true gentlemen, an amazing Grandfather and Father, and I am profoundly lucky to be a part of his family. I will miss him terribly.
