Obituary of Germain Joseph Walker
WALKER, Gerry
April 4, 1928 – June 25, 2020
Left us too soon on Thursday June 25, 2020. Pre-deceased by his loving wife, Colleen Anne-Marie Walker (nee May). Loving Father of Susan, Rose, Michael (Maureen), Maureen (Paul) Misener, Bonnie (Steve) Taras, Joanne (Dan) Lewis, Sharon (Rick) Gingras and Sheila (Don) Hastings. Beloved Grandather of sixteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Gerry was born in 1928 at the onset of the Great Depression in Coteau Station, Quebec. His parents brought him and 10 siblings up there where he lived until he took a job with Ontario Hydro in Beamsville. He met the love of his life, the young nurse Colleen Anne Marie May in 1954. Gerry and Colleen raised 8 children on Ted St in St Catharines and there are a million stories in that house. Their BBQs, card parties and cottage trips – are legendary and the kids keep the spirit up to this day. Gerry had many interests: his great love of family, wine making, dad jokes, his fabulous garden and problem solving. He was always ready to lend a hand with your problems and he figured out how to raise 7 daughters & 1 son with two bathrooms. Gerry had a big smile that could light up a room and though he could be quiet at times, his wit was quick and sharp. He liked nothing better than spending time with family, going camping to Myrtle Beach, meeting up with friends where he could share stories and jokes. Gerry worked at Ontario Hydro all his life while Colleen stayed home to raise the kids. They were together for 59 years. Gerry was a wonderful father and husband. His kindness, his patience, his humour and his ability to fix anything made him a perfect partner to Colleen. It helped that he was a good bartender too. Sadly, Colleen suffered a stroke in 2000 and Gerry became the chief cook and bottle washer. For a couple who were so active and who so enjoyed getting out to meet up family and friends, it was amazing to see the love, partnership and dignity that they shared in their new life and their home became the hub for friends and family to visit. We lost Colleen in 2013 and Gerry missed her deeply. Gerry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and he will be deeply missed.
You taught us how to fight all our battles, how to stand together as a family, how to be strong when we need to and how to love with kindness, loyalty, passion, and faith. We did not think that we would have to say good-bye. You are our invincible dad! Death always has a way of taking people too quickly and separating families. We are closer because of you and mom, and we will think about you every day – sad that you have left us and happy that you are together again. You will always be with us and our family will stand together. You are always in our hearts and minds Dad. Rest well.
In accordance with Gerry’s wishes a private family service will take place and cremation will follow. Arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, (905) 937-4444. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
