Tuesday, May 26, 2020
I am so saddened to hear of Gerry's passing. I first met Jerry in a chance encounter skating at the old Rink in the Park in Waterloo in the spring of 1995. He had just retired from the YMCA and was beginning on an adventure of improving his skills at hockey but mostly just skating. We enjoyed almost 25 years exploring both of our passions together. He thoroughly enjoyed his progress over the years as out came his stop watch and me timing him, one lap around the rink.. I would yell encouraging him to push through and most often he beat his time. Oh, that smile!! And accompanied with " not bad for a 102 year old!!! He added a year as each year passed. See, Jerry was 19 years older than me and I was truly in awe of what he could do. He loved to exercise, and do his drills at night. He even wanted to eat better. He always brought a book or magazine to prove his point. We spent much time at the Tim's after the sessions on ice. They were the most enjoyable for me. You could see how proud he was of his kids and family as he recounted so many stories of his youth and current events in their lives. Yes, he would repeat them often but it was like hearing them for the first time again. Gerry was a good, kind, funny man. Always tried to look at the good in people. I was very lucky to run into this soul by chance and ride the Maclean train for as long as we could together. Rest in peace my friend!! Keep a spot on the bench open for me one day, but just not yet!!
