In Celebration of

Gerald (Gerry) Perley Lewis

October 28, 1928 - July 30, 2019

Following a brief illness, Gerry left us with wonderful memories of a gentle man who lived long, laughed much and loved well. He was predeceased by his dear wife, Joan. He will be remembered fondly by his children, Stephen, Elizabeth and Michael, and his daughters-in-law, Leanne and Tracy. He was adored by his grandchildren, Emma, Natalie, Adam, Courtney and Alexandria. Gerry’s generosity, trademark GPL sense of humour and spirit of adventure were a joy to all who knew him, including his siblings, Phil, Vivienne and Jack and their families, along with friends and neighbours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To remember Gerry, please take a walk in nature, play a game of Scrabble or tell a good joke. Donations in his honour may be made to The Bruce Trail Conservancy or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Guestbook

(5 of 18)

Robert (Bob) Mitchell (Shadylawn Alumni)

Entered August 1, 2019 from Toronto

Mr. Lewis, I can't bring myself to call him by his first name, was one of many adult figures on ShadyLawn court that influenced me in childhood.
I remember families getting together in the Lewis' backyard (the location rotated) to set off fireworks on occasions that called for it. Mr. Lewis' yard was one of a few deemed safe as the river was close by (I guess if any kids caught fire, if the roll down the bank didn't put out the burning toddler, the river would). And direct access to the Credit river through that backyard made it a frequent shortcut for me and Benji (our dog) - permission assumed, not asked for. :-)
I remember Mr. Lewis as a kind man who was often in the yard, playing with his kids (and numerous others) and an integral part of the ENTIRE Shady experience.
You will be missed.

A. G. (Arnie) White (Long-time friend since 1951)

Entered August 1, 2019 from High River, AB

Gerry was a dear friend from when I first met him at the (now long-gone) Tadanac Staff House in Trail, BC. In January 1957, we Staff House inmates decided that our social life was in a bad way, and we decided to have a dance in our "social" room. I probably had a date for it, but don't remember who. Gerry's date that night was a girl he had met at an earlier toboggan party, a nurse named Helen Kean. I was enchanted by that cute little redhead, and when the party was over and our dates safely returned to their homes, I asked Gerry whether he intended to continue dating Helen. His reply was"probably not", and the rest became my history. Helen and I were married later that year, with Gerry as my best man. In later years, we visited Joan and Gerry on our way through in our motorhome -- also, Joan and Gerry welcomed our son Gary on his epic bicycle ride across Canada. A very dear friend indeed -- I will miss his humor and sincerity. My condolences (and know also those of my late wife Helen) go out to his family. Sincerely, Arnie White.