Harry (Bud) Gerber, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 22, 2021. Beloved husband of Anne. Dear father to Richard (Marla), Judie (Angus), and Chris (Joel). Loving grandfather of Matthew, Lauren and Jared. Survived by brothers, Richard (Dick) and Doug.
Born in Fort Erie, Ontario, Harry grew up in St. Catherines during the depression and assisted in the family garden and with his daily paper route to help make ends meet. His goal was to attend university and become a teacher, and in 1957 he graduated from Waterloo College and was offered a job in Peterborough, Ontario teaching high school history. Harry and Anne were wed in October, 1957, and would begin their married life in Peterborough, then moved to Guelph and finally settled in Richmond Hill, Ontario. It was in Richmond Hill where they would raise their 3 children, and become active members of the Richmond Hill United Church, the Rotary Club, and the York Central Hospital Volunteer Association.
As a high school teacher and principal, Harry revelled in the ideas and wonder of his students. His philosophy was to challenge, nurture and allow for the freedom necessary for young minds to develop into confident and mature adults. After a long career in education, Harry enjoyed a retirement of cottage life, travelling the world with Anne, and spending time with his grandchildren. Harry loved long leisurely dinner parties with family and friends filled with conversation, laughter and wine; happy hours on the dock; reading; fishing; Kawartha Dairy ice cream cones; and his daily ritual of completing the crossword puzzle, which he always finished! A key aspect of Harry’s life is that although he was indeed a proud and wonderful father, he was also a good friend to all who knew him, especially his children. Harry attended numerous social, sporting and cottage weekend events with his children and their friends and was always accepted as ‘one of the gang’.
He will be remembered for his pride of family, loyal and rich friendships, love of teaching, reading books, and a fondness of escaping to his very own paradise on Canning Lake
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences/memories and online tributes can be made at www.marshallfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the York Region Children’s Fund, and/or Sick Kids Hospital.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harry Lloyd Gerber Friday January 22nd 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Richmond-Hill, Province: Ontario