Gerald Ralph Collyer

On September 5th, Gerry died peacefully in his residence at Douglas Crossing Retirement Residence in Uxbridge, Ontario, surrounded by family.

Growing up in London, Ontario, Gerry was the youngest of four children of father Gerald Robert Collyer and mother Helen Hovendon Talbot Collyer. He was predeceased by his older brothers Bob and Jim and leaves his older sister Ann Hitchins.

Early years as a camper and then staff at Camp Ahmek bore a lifetime network of deep friendships that were rekindled annually at Cedar Grove Lodge. In his teens, his brother Jim coined him IDM/ODM “indoor man and outdoor man” due to his tireless work both inside and outside the house. Gerry was always high energy. He remained this way his whole life and he and Marie’s homes were always immaculate inside and out.

Gerry graduated from the Business School at Western University in 1960. Many life long friendships were forged there including the “Dining Out” club that brought friends together for well over 60 years. Growing up with a father and two brothers that were doctors, Gerry charted his own path despite the leanings of his mother who had hoped he’d land in one of the professions.

Gerry first met the love of his life, Marie Dawn Atkins at Western and they married in 1961. Together, they were partners as parents, in business, and in community service. Their parties were known to be fabulous and generous with gourmet food and drink they had prepared themselves.

After establishing his professional footing in marketing in Toronto, he decided to make a leap and become a Canadian Tire dealer. With young children, Julie and Cam in tow, Marie and Gerry sold their first home and left cherished friends in the Henry Farm in Toronto and moved to Delhi and then St. Catharines, Ontario before getting his big opportunity in Brandon, Manitoba. His last store would be in Oshawa, Ontario.

In business, Gerry was both a pioneer in developing computerized inventory management and a leader in creating a supportive environment for his employees. Gerry was awarded with the Canadian Tire’s Pacesetter Award for innovation and his commitment to training dealers across the country in the latest systems. The national network of dealers afforded many cherished lifelong friends.

Equal to his business achievements were his volunteer commitments. Gerry was a helper. In Brandon, these included Vice President of the 1979 Canada Winter Games and the Board of Governors for Brandon University. His contributions to the cultural life of the City included his many contributions to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, providing funding for the inaugural Brandon Jazz Festival, and sustaining Mosaic Massey, Brandon’s festival of learning. Working closely with Marie, Gerry oversaw the planning, fundraising and construction of Hobbs Manor, a 100 suite seniors residence in Brandon. His service to community was recognized with Manitoba’s highest civilian honour when he was invested in the Order of the Buffalo Hunt with the rank of Captain.

Diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia at age 41, and coming out of remission three times in his life, Gerry benefitted greatly from pioneering cancer medicine. Once back in Ontario, first in Whitby and later Uxbridge, Gerry dedicated considerable time to volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society. From driving patients to their chemotherapy appointments, to helping to organize the Relay for Life and the Daffodil Campaign, he found ways to support his community. Gerry gained national recognition for his contribution as one of the first citizens to sit on the national clinic trials review committee as a patient representative.

Family was his happy place. Father to Julie Thompson and Cam Collyer (Lauren Baker) and proud grandfather to Kaitlin (Chris Lalonde), Megan, Samuel and Henry. He was always involved when it came to family gatherings, whether it was carving the turkey, presenting special gifts or traveling to visit relatives in places near and far. After Marie passed, Gerry started baking in her honour and brought cookies and pies to all occasions. His baking ambition peaked when, leading up to what would be his last Christmas, he spent four days baking and decorating gingerbread men for all the residents and staff of his senior’s residence.

Whether it was friendships built during his childhood in London, at Camp Ahmek, Western University, Canadian Tire, or in every city that he lived, and each community organization he supported, Gerry nurtured and cherished relationships throughout his lifetime.

The family is grateful for the incredible care he received from Dr. Cal Doobay, Dr. Rahim and all the staff at Douglas Crossing.

Gerry has left a legacy of caring that will be held closely by all who knew him.

A memorial service in his honour will be hosted at the Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge, Ontario on Tuesday October 13 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Messages for the family can be left at lowandlow.ca