Gerry Clail loved life, and he made every effort to live his life to the fullest.  Born in Glasgow, Scotland he was the youngest of three children born to William and Lizzie Clail.  Gerry's father, William, was a long-time employee of Babcock and Wilcox in Scotland. Gerry started his career at the same company and in 1967 moved to Canada as a millwright.  Gerry's brother Tom and his wife Eileen as well as Joe and Eileen Hughes were very helpful and supportive during the transition to a new country. Just under a year later, he left Babcock and Wilcox to work at Budd Automotive where he was employed until his retirement in 2003.
Sean and Michelle, who Gerry nicknamed O'Hooliran and Beasley, have many fond memories of time spent with their dad when they were growing up on Scott Road.  Gerry even nicknamed some of their friends – just ask his son-in-law, Dan Bertin, who he called Daniel-san, and Jane Chadwick a.k.a. Jane “Cheeky” Chaddy.  Sean and Michelle remember many barbeques and parties with all the neighbours there.  To Sean, his dad was the best barbequer ever.  Sean doesn't even like steak very much, but when his dad barbequed, Sean thought it was the best.  And then there were the Christmas and New Year's parties at the Clail's, at Joe and Eileen Hughes' and at Joe and Jean Murray's.  Gerry loved a good party.  Sean and Michelle can tell you he had a very specific recipe for making a rum and coke.  Put some ice cubes in a glass, fill it with enough rum to cover the ice cubes, and then add just a little coke for colour. 
Sean remembers how much he enjoyed playing soccer when his dad was involved as a coach.  He taught Sean to always do his best, no matter how tough things got.  Sean also appreciated the times his dad would watch him play hockey, and how they would look forward to watching Hockey Night in Canada.  Sean admired his dad`s skill at playing golf, and remembers how the two of them could get quite competitive on the course.  Sean enjoyed watching war documentaries with his dad.  When Sean wasn't available to watch the documentaries Michelle would be invited, or should we say forced, to sit with him and watch.  Whoever knows Michelle will understand she found the experience of watching war documentaries somewhat less than enjoyable.  
Michelle remembers how her dad loved to do the daily crossword.  She was always amazed that he would do the whole crossword in ink, and not make any mistakes.  Michelle can`t think of a time that her dad didn`t have a close canine companion. There was Penny the cairn terrier, Misty the miniature schnauzer and, for the past 12 years, Murron the westie.  He really loved his dogs.  The funniest memory Michelle has of her dad is when he would demonstrate his disco dancing skills by doing the Hustle and the Bump at home in the rec room.  Michelle also remembers how much fun it was when everyone would go to the Highland Games out at the policemen's club and spend time with friends – especially the “Scots Mafia”.   No names will be mentioned, but Michelle has assured me that you know who you are.  



During her teenage years, Michelle had her eye on a certain young man named Dan Bertin who she went on to marry in 1991.  Dan, who always called Gerry “Mr. C.”, remembers how Gerry would always respond when asked how he was doing –  “Not too shabby”.  And whenever he agreed with you it would be “Aye, laddie”.  Dan and his friends all loved to sit and chat with him over a beer.  Okay, maybe a few beers – you see, as soon as Dan or his friends were halfway through a beer, Gerry would already have another one open for them.  There was one time he took Dan to the Budd Bass Derby and they purposely “forgot” to bring the fishing poles to make extra room for their beverages.  He loved hanging out with his drinking buddies.
Gerry was proud of his grandkids.  He thought it was great that Shannon started university this past September.  He was proud of Brooklyn for working so diligently at Tim Horton`s to save money for her trip to the South Pacific.  He was very pleased to see Kaiden's emerging mechanical skills, and sometimes called Kaiden an astronaut. 
Now don't misunderstand.  Having Gerry as a dad was not just one party after another.  He ran a very strict household, and there was no question that he was to be respected.  Sean and Michelle didn't appreciate it at the time, but now they see that their dad taught them to respect authority, to be honest, to work hard at whatever they do, and to never give up until the job is done right.  Gerry was not a man who talked about his feelings, but it was clear that he was very proud of Sean and Michelle.  You could see from the expression on his face when he visited with them, that they had earned his respect as well.
The past few months have been tough for everyone who was close to Gerry.  Sean and Michelle would like to thank you, Catherine, for providing unwavering support in all circumstances and for giving their dad the very best of care.   Thank you for your openness, generosity and kindness, for the time they were able to spend with their dad in his last days, and for including them today.
Sean and Michelle would like to thank everyone for coming today, and for all the kind words and support you have given.  They will always miss their dad, but continue to be grateful for the time they were able to spend with him and for everything they have learned from having him as their dad.

It has now been three weeks since Gerry left us to go into The West. Sorrow and pain cannot be obliterated in such a short time. Seventeen years of memories are a comfort and a balm, as is the wonderful support of family and friends. Every new day, there is some small sign that he is watching over me. He wants me to know that he doesn't suffer anymore and that he will always be close to those he loves.

Gerry was a very positive milestone in our lives.  We'll never forget him for all the kindness and support he and his family gave to us in our time of need.  He was a wonderful friend and will be sorely missed.  Sandy & Archie Forrest

Catherine and family, my special memories of Gerry from his "sweet tea" to his smiles, from his determination, to our long talks in his garden..... will be with me forever; and when I remember, I will smile. I believe in time when the hurt isn't too much to bear, you'll look to your heart too and your memories will give you much comfort.
Bill Robson

My dearest Dad,
     As painful as it is now that you are gone it is so nice to know that you are no longer suffering. Your last few weeks were extremely painful for you but you always managed to give us a smile when we came to see you, even in your last hours you still smiled at me.  I will miss you but find comfort in knowing I will see you again one day. Rest in peace Dad..Love you  xoxo

We are so sorry for your loss Cait, Sean and Michelle.
We will be donating to Hospice Wellington in memory of Uncle Gerry,

Love Jennifer and Brad

OBITUARY

William "Gerry" Clail

October 14, 1942 – November 29, 2011

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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