George Jean Kerr

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the peaceful passing of George Jean Kerr in his 90th. year on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at his home in Oshawa.

George is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Nina Kerr (nee Patterson). Beloved “Daddy” of Susan Crase (Brad) and Cynthia Hooper (Scott). Dear “Pappa” of Kurtis Hooper (Kalila), Benjamin Crase (Emily), and Kolten Hooper (Riviera) who will miss his love, guidance and strength. George happily welcomed his first great grandson, Malcolm, son of Ben and Emily (nee Jennings), to the family clan earlier this year. George is also survived by his caring sister, Jacqueline Hughes of Napanee, Ontario. Many nieces, nephews, great nephews and great nieces will also miss him. George was predeceased by his parents, Edward John (Jack) Kerr (WW1 Veteran, 21st Battalion of Eastern Ontario) and Julia Margaret Kerr (nee Jan). He was very proud of both Scottish and his Swiss Huguenot heritage. George was also saddened over the years by the passing of his siblings: Alice, Dawson, Edward, Joseph and Charles with whom he shared a joyful childhood.

George’s formative years were spread across the Brighton, Northbrook, Bancroft and Mazinaw Lake areas of Ontario. When he left home, he set sail for adventures as a deckhand, and became watchman, on the historic upper Great Lakes passenger vessel, the S.S. Keewatin. Later George came to Oshawa in the 1950’s where he met Nina from Albert Street whom he married. George studied in the pattern maker apprenticeship program with GM of Canada and then became part of the U.A.W. and Oshawa plants‘ Tool and Die group for over 30 years. He took great pride in his contribution to the automotive design process.

In 1967, George and Nina began building their cottage on Lake Simcoe. It was their place of peace to enjoy nature’s beauty and seasonal cycles. “Up at The Lake” stayed at the core of over 50 years of wonderful family times for four generations.

George enjoyed the “out-of-doors” over his whole life. He cross-country skied to school; enjoyed downhill skiing at Kirby; built his own sailboat to sail on Lake Ontario; enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Simcoe; planted and cut many trees and took up long distance cycling in his late mid-life years.

George was also an avid organic vegetable gardener. Even this recent past season he would be seen in the garden digging with his sharpened long handled shovel that resulted in a bumper crop of healthful squash, tomatoes, “cukes”, apples, green beans and more to distribute out to his children.

George loved to travel across Canada. He had a genuine warmth and interest in everyone who he crossed paths with. He enjoyed discussions to share his wisdom and insights gained from his life experiences, extensive reading and research with others, but especially with his grandsons.

George took great pride in nurturing a strong family with good values. George enjoyed the love, beauty and wonders of this world.

According to George’s wishes, his passing will be observed privately, quietly and simply. A celebration of his life will follow in the spring.

George and his family would be grateful if extended family members, and friends of the family who are able, would plant Carolinian and apple trees on private properties to improve our environment for the future.

Online condolences, memories and tributes may be shared at www.oshawafuneralhome.com