Gerry passed away peacefully at the TBRHSC Transitional Care Unit with his beloved companion Jeannette at his side. He lived life on his own terms and chose his own time to pass.
Gerry was born in Sault Ste Marie but grew up on Van Norman St in Thunder Bay. Starting as a paper boy, Gerry worked his way up through every part of the newspaper business starting at the Port Arthur Chronicle, as a journalist for the Thomson newspaper group in various locations across the province and retiring as the District Editor for the Chronicle Journal after many years. He loved travelling the region and meeting with his correspondents, who covered the news in their own areas. He was involved in each community he lived in, including the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Legion, and Masonic Lodge. Gerry lived a full life, singing for the Fort William Male Choir, volunteering at NOSM as a medical patient for new doctors, helping various service organizations, and involved in local church groups as an elder, lay preaching from time to time. He loved to play cards, crib being his specialty and would delight in winning mini tournaments. Family was very important to Gerry and he loved to keep in touch with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also loved to travel and took many trips with his wife Marj and then his companion Jeannette.
Gerry was the eternal optimist and refused to let challenges stop him from living his life the way he wanted. Many thanks to the drivers of the handicapped accessible taxis and to Driving Miss Daisy for helping him get around town. He definitely lived life to its fullest. The family also wants to express gratitude to all the nurses and PSW’s who helped to care for Gerry at PR Cook, Roseview, and the Walford. Thanks so much to the Transitional Care Unit and the nurses and doctor who helped him on his last journey with compassion and great care. The family and Jeannette would especially like to thank Marg, his niece, who provided a lot of support to Gerry over the last few years, and to our friends and family who helped out in many ways.
He is predeceased by his wife Marjorie E Poling, his parents Robert & Olivia Poling and his siblings Ray, Bob, Jack, Eileen, Terri, Len and Zita. He is survived by his three children: Karen Kent (Gene), Steven (Kathy) and Michael (Simone) and six grandchildren: Jesse, Emma (Brendan), Justin (Jamie), Ryan (Farnaz), Aodhan, and Lily. He also had four beloved great grandchildren: Henrik, Sullivan, Finley and Artem. He will be greatly missed by his dear companion Jeannette Phillips, who helped him pick up the pieces and build a life again with her company. They had lots of adventures travelling and spending time together with both his family and hers.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on June 19, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Sargent Funeral Chapel. Donations in his memory can be made to NOSM or to the Dew Drop Inn.
