Gerald Day

1926 - 2023

Gerald Day died peacefully on August 24, 2023 accompanied by Shirley, his wife of 69 years. They had three sons together: Graham (Pauline Bauman) of Kitchener, Kevin (Marilou) of London and Peter (Elizabeth) of Oakville.

Gerald was born to John and Elsie Day in the small fishing village of Old Shop on Trinity Bay in Newfoundland. Left to mourn are sisters, Betty Bretton and Jean Pynn, and brother, Cecil. He was predeceased by Hugh, Duke and Eric, all of Newfoundland.

He will be remembered by his grandchildren: Erika Mills (Jason), Matthew Day (Joanne Adair), Nicole Zoboki (Josh), Jason Day (Sahana Mazumder), and Gillian Day. He will also be remembered by his great-grandchildren: Shawna Mills, Elijah Mills, Florence Day, Winston Day, Luke Zoboki, and Violet Zoboki.

As a young man, Gerry attended Memorial University and graduated from Dalhousie. While there he met, dated and left behind nursing student, Shirley Bowe. He returned to Newfoundland, and was the inspector of schools for the department of education for two years. He then responded to a job offer with a law publishing company that took him to Toronto where he renewed his relationship with Shirley, and they married. Eventually he joined The Co-operators in 1955. Over the years he held many management positions and was involved in corporate development as the company grew nationally. His managerial aptitude took him from Toronto to London, Peterborough, Moncton and finally Guelph. Prior to his retirement he was vice president of the Ontario division for several years.

After retirement the garden took his interest, and he developed culinary skills. He learned to make a great stew and specialised in fruit cocktail and pancakes, favourites of the boys. Hiking and walking in the woods with Shirley was a lifelong enjoyment. He indulged his love of travel visiting Europe, Indonesia, Hawaii, Israel and the US. He enjoyed reading, theatre, and third-age learning, and was a 25-year member of the Wellington men's club and an active member of St George's Anglican Church.

Gerald was a true gentleman who enriched us all with his love, good humour, quiet strength and generosity.

The family wishes to thank The Elliott Community, especially the personal care workers for the many years of excellent care and attention they offered Gerry.

Cremation has taken place. The family will receive their friends at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St N., Guelph on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 12 – 1 p.m.

A Celebration of Gerald’s Life will be held in the chapel at 1 p.m. A reception will follow in the Dublin Fellowship Lounge.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. George’s Anglican Church or to the

Elliott Community would be appreciated by the family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home or leave condolences online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com