I learned of Gerry’s passing too late to attend which saddens me. Gerry was a very knowledgeable and respected youth hockey Coach. He was very popular with the girls he coached. They were all “ Gerry’s girls “. 
               Bob Stewart

Gerry was so kind to everybody and in special to me and my family. He will stay in my heart, he will always be that special person that gave to my little five years old son his first books to read. How did he get all his kindness? We all will miss him. Just be happy dear Joanne for having had him with you. I am too for having met him. I'll be with you as well Joanne, forever. Accept my deepest condolences.

I won’t be there tomorrow to say my goodbyes to Gerry and give you a hug, but I just wanted to chat about your husband, he was so kind to us when he brought us food when we got back from the states while Covid was starting, it was amazing that he stepped forward when many of our friends didn’t. It taught me the true meaning of kindness and acceptance, and because of him in the last 4 years I have tried to live that way, you never know when a good deed or a kind word touches someone.
I hope that tomorrow goes well and in all your grief you realize how many other people that he has touched. Big hugs🎺

Gerry's commitment extended beyond his volunteer hours. He got his work organization, Covanta, involved with the Mission, advocating for a donation that supported our Covanta Summer Kick-Off Day in the parking lot, which featured a band, snacks, a dunk tank, games, and more.
Gerry truly cared for every person he encountered, including staff, other volunteers, and most significantly, the patrons. 
He was patient, understanding, and a shining example of a community member who made a positive impact on others.
Gerry will be deeply missed by many. He formed close friendships with several volunteers, some of whom considered him their best friend.
Rest in peace, Gerry. Thank you for the incredible contributions you made during your life to help others. You were truly an inspirational person.

Sad to hear about this. Gerry was a gem of a person. I worked with Gerry for 2 years and he touched me by his humbleness and how he treated his coworkers.  My condolences to the family.

I have known Gerry since he began at Covanta early in 2014. Those were the trailer days. Don’t believe I have met a kinder man. He always kept me in mind when he brought his crew ice cream bars. He knew it was my weakness and indulged me.  His passing just does not seem real. Wishing you comfort and peace Joanne.

Gerry, I will sincerely miss your smiling face on Tuesday afternoons. Really enjoyed our conversations and learning about you being an operator. You’re always helpful and cheerful.  Will miss you, Bob

Gerry, I'm so sorry that we let life get in the way of seeing each other, for all these years.  I've missed you, and have such fond memories of being teenagers, camping at the lake,  and having such fun with our families.  That was 50+ years ago!  Your friends were all confused when they met me, because we looked like twins! 
 Where does the time go?  Todd was going through his lion tamer phase, with his string on a stick! LOL!  What a great time we had that summer.  I found this poem below, just today, in my mail.  It gave my friend strength when a great friend had passed away, and she hoped it helped me too.  Love to you Gerry, until we meet again.  Your identical twin / cousin, Nancy (Cormier) Robinson 

Gone From My Sight

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
 
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
 
Gone where?
 
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
 
And that is dying...

          Luther F. Beecher


All those who've gone before you, will be there shouting to you "Here he comes!"  My dad, my mom, your dad, Uncle Ray, Grandma, and the rest of the family and friends who have gone before us.  Love you Gerry.

My condolences to Joanne, family and friends of Gerry.
I had the pleasure of working with Gerry for 2 years and quickly saw that Gerry was a person with a huge heart.  We were both members of the Covanta community outreach committee, he was passionate about helping others and his absence will be felt by many.

Gerry had such a profound impact on my life; my path would have been very different without him. His belief in my abilities, combined with his selflessness and kind spirit, always inspired me to be a better person. He was unapologetically authentic and his actions spoke to his character. He was always trying to better the communities he was part of. 

The emptiness I feel with his departure is indescribable. I am lucky to have known him for over a decade and there is so much I will miss. I will cherish the stories and moments we shared. Good bye my dear friend.

I am heartbroken at the loss of dear friend Gerry. Our band will never be the same without him. I am so sad to imagine band practice without Gerry’s leadership in the trumpet section.  His smiling face, friendly personality and supportive attitude will be missed by the whole band. Gerry was such a kind and giving person. He will be so missed!

Very sad loss. I have many fond memories of our times  in the Sault recreation hockey league. Gerry was a great coach and ambassador for the game itself and the league Our thoughts are with all of his family. RIP my friend

Words cannot express the sadness I am feeling over the loss of my friend Gerry. He played trumpet in the Thornhill Community Band and I grew to know him over the past two years as we rehearsed and prepared for concerts. He was a great guy in so many ways and I will miss his laughter, his kindness, and his smile most of all. 
My condolences to his wife, Joanne, and their families. Thank you for sharing him with us; he was a treasure.
Sincerely,
Hugh Corbett

Gerry Cowley was a lovely, gentle man.  We will miss him.  Gerry was an expert at making Nanaimo bars which he shared with generosity.  Listening to his trumpet solos was always a pleasure.
May his memory be a blessing.
Linda & Larry Procunier

Joanne,
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I remember you two had such a strong supportive relationship that I admired. Sending you love and prayers.

Lindsay Magli

Dear Joanne we are so very sorry to see that Gerry has passed away. Please accept our sincere condolences to both your families. Gerry really had a way with people as expressed by the lovely sentiments written about him. You were so blessed to have such a great relationship with each other, I hope you can take solace in that. Cousin please take care. Even though we are far and haven’t seen each other in quite a while I think of you from time to time and think about us as kids. 🙏🙏🙏

One of the most selfless, kindest, generous people on the planet. Working alongside Gerry for 10 years was a pleasure and filled with many lessons from his decades of experience. More importantly a great friend I was able to share many old war stories with and have a great laugh with every shift change or when he'd come watch my kids play hockey. I'll miss the bleacher conversations the most buddy. I'll miss ya Ger.

Very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Gerry and I worked together for six years in Courtice, Ontario.  He would often share stories of his band, his time living in the Soo and would patiently listen to my Thunder Bay stories.  He was a generous and fair man who wore his heart on his sleeve and we loved him for it.

My condolences to his family. I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling, but know that he made such a positive difference to so many that were fortunate enough to have met him. I’m a better person for knowing him.

Gerry - you will be sorely missed. 

Rest in peace,

Matt Neild

Joanne, I was very sad to read about your dear husband.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
In love and friendship, Maria Ciccone

Joanne:  So sorry  to hear of Gerry's death.  May fond memories and the support of friends and family help through this difficult time.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Lee Campbell and Gary Burns

Best 4 hours a week were with Gerry every Tuesday at mission and best trips up north to get our giant apple fritters 
I love you tremendously and will miss you deeply

Gerry was one of the most compassionate people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. You will be missed by many Gerry, including everyone at the Mission and all the patrons who you kindly greeted every week.

I had the pleasure of volunteering with Gerry at the Back Door Mission. He was a kind, compassionate, hardworking and talented soul. God bless him and his family. He will not be forgotten.❤️

My daughter, Sarah, and I volunteered many hours with Gerry at the Back Door Mission. We never ran out of things to talk about. Whenever I shared with him about other fundraisers that I was involved with, Gerry always wanted to know if he could contribute. He was such a kind, giving person.  He was so thoughtful and always brought Timmie's coffee when ever he visited us at Sunshine Family Thrift Shop. We are heartbroken to hear of his sudden passing. Jo-Ann and Sarah.

Gerry was the most gracious man . Kim,  Gerry and I became the  “3 amigos. I will always remember my dear friend and miss him very much🥲☮️❤️

By for now , you will be missed, especially by everyone at the Backdoor Mission RIP

Heartbreaking news ! I was lucky enough to work with him and would say a true Gentleman with very kind heart ! Always smiling ! You will be missed RIP 🙏
 My Condolences to the family.

Farewell Gerry!  I will miss you but know that you are safe with the family that has gone before you.  You will always be one of my "Sault" cousins!

OBITUARY

Gerry Cowley

31 August, 1956 – 9 July, 2024

Oshawa Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services