It’s been a year as of tomorrow, the empty place in my heart stays the same. Nothing could take your place there. So many times I wish I had your advice, your calm presence and your ability to make everything ok. I’m doing my best to live my life and raise my boys the way you would have wanted but it’s hard without you. I know you’re with me always and your spirit lives on in all of us I just wish it didn’t hurt so much, not seeing you, not hearing your answers to my many questions. I miss you, I love you I promise to always be there for mom.

Jane and family: I was saddened to hear of your sudden and great loss recently with Gerry’s passing. I’m glad I got to meet Gerry when we had lunch in NS, though time was brief. Love to hear from you Jane. Your cousin, Carol

I’m so sorry for loss.

I first met Gerry and Jane through a Tai Chi class in Nova Scotia. I didn’t think Jane’s legs would hold her up and Gerry with his knowing grin, was always our comic relief. I always felt so blessed to have met them both. Our friendship blossomed over the years, and I treasured this friendship. Gerry was forever, the curious and brave person. Nothing was impossible to him. He was simply a brilliant man, and so ahead of his time. As well, he was humble – never showing off how smart he really was – just quietly learning, experimenting and doing. He was so generous in sharing all his knowledge. After they moved out west, we only saw each other once a year, but every year he would have mastered another subject and excitingly wanting to share his discovery – Reiki, healing botanicals, EFT, Quantum Physics to name a few. His mind and spirit were always so active and totally in the “now”. I love Gerry and Jane and will miss him so much – although I know he is with each and every one of us and grinning that knowing grin of his. Thank you Gerry for all you have shared and given David and me and all of those you loved, especially your family. You will be with us, in our hearts. forever.

Gerry you were truly one of a kind, tougher than a boiled owl and soft as a purring kittens belly.

You told me tales of your youth and they got more elaborate every time.

You opened my eyes to a world that was strange to me and you helped me take those baby steps into making this world mine. Like a great teacher you were always there without needing to be there.

Gerry you are a hero to me, and nothing will ever change that , you didn’t need to run to a phone booth and change to save the day you just did what you thought was right!

I hold myself to a greater standard now more than ever before because you gave me the gift of knowing that all those years I had been wrong, there is a good person inside of me.

I will keep my promise to you Gerry, always!!

I love you old man, from your friend in this life and the next!

Although Gerry was my step father, he was the best father a girl could ever have! He taught me to love freely, laugh loudly, always look on the bright side and to keep an open mind. He was the man I looked up to more than any other, it was his influence that helped me choose my own life partner, not based on what everyone else thought or who he was on the outside but by the man inside the man, the potential for personal growth and the ability to love, laugh and grow with me and our family. I’m proud to say that Gerry loved Ryan (my life partner) and Ryan learned much from him. They are big boots to fill Ryan but I know Gerry wouldn’t have left if he didn’t think you were up to it.

I was blessed to have grown up with parents who loved each other so much, I could never settle for less then a love as true as theirs. There will be an empty spot in my heart where Gerry’s larger than life presence should be and I prefer to keep it that way. Not many people make the kind of impression on you that you simply know no one will ever take their place. I will live my life in a way that would make him proud, I know he was proud of me and I vow to never stop improving myself for him and for my family.

Talking to my oldest son Owen is a constant reminder of Gerry’s influence. He lives on in this fine young man I’m proud to call my son. Owen has a large task before him, it will be his job to teach Sam his younger brother all the wonderful and not so wonderful lessons Grandpa taught him.

Mom, my heart aches for you and I want more than anything to take your pain away and make this easier somehow. I know these aren’t things I can do, I know this is a journey you have to take in your own way and own time, but know I am here for you no matter what! That together we can do anything, you are loved every bit as much as Gerry and you are one fantastic woman because Gerry wouldn’t have settled for less. I love you mom!! Gerry I miss you, I love you and I can’t wait to hear all about this adventure when my turn comes.

Love always your daughter Shelley.

My grandfather Gerry has been with me since the beginning and he will stay with me in my heart. until the end he has taught me so much both good and bad,when I was having a hard time he always used to say if it’s too tough for anyone else it’s just right for us, he also told me to be tougher then a boiled owl. He taught me to read right and to curse like a sailor(with help from grandma). He taught me reiki which in the past month has been more useful to me then ever before. My heart goes out to Jane-my grandma and Shelly-my Mom I am so sorry for you and I would do anything to take away your pain. We miss you Gerry! And we love you!!