Gerald Gordon Horner

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Gerald Gordon Horner. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Gerald was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Gerald was born on Clinton Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Ontario. He was the son of Gordon Alvin Horner and Mary Horner (nee Hugill). Gerald was raised in A farm in Varna, a farm in Seaforth, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Waterloo. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Gerald was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Gerald's personality throughout his life.

      Though Gerald was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Gerald was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Gerald worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Gerald was raised with one sister. He had one younger sister, Marion Shirley May Holdenmeyer (nee Horner). Gerald and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Gerald was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Gerald was always tactful. One thing Gerald will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Gerald had a number of interests and was an active child. Gerald took part in hockey and baseball. In his spare time he liked to play hockey.

      There was one thing that all of Gerald's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Gerald was such a popular person throughout his life. But Gerald was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Gerald was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Gerald was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Gerald was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Gerald was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Gerald made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Peter McLean, Tom Schnurr, and many more. Later in life, he became friends with Art & Edna Helm & family, Jim & Gloria Helm & family, and Robert & Pauline Jones.

      Gerald was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Gerald cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On June 8, 1968 Gerald married Charlotte Ann Matlock at Trinity United Church of Kitchener, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Gerald worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Gerald and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Gerald was blessed with three girls (one extended daughter), Tina Horner, Sherri Maziarz (Dave), Tammy Ackerland (Dave), and Kim Glofcheskie (Kevin). They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Mitchell, Mikayla, Carter, Bradley, Dylan, Brianna, Parker, Justin (step grandson), Kyle, and Katelynn. Gerald was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Gerald was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Gerald would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Gerald, and he expected the same from those around him. Gerald was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Gerald was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Gerald handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was owner/operator of Select Motors Sales, Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario. He was employed for 50 years in the car business. Also worked for Cambridge Centre Honda, Cambridge, Ontario, for many years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Gerald enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were having horses and a pony for the girls when they were young.

      Gerald was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Gerald was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included coaching minor hockey for many years. Gerald also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey (Maple Leafs) and baseball (Blue Jays).

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Gerald to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Gerald did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Gerald was an active member of the K-W Naval Association, 315 Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Gerald well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Parkminster United Church, Waterloo, Ontario. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      A generous and compassionate man, Gerald accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Gerald was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included drag racing trophies / hockey trophies.

      Not only did Gerald enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included taking cruises (an Alaskan cruise was his favourite), Glendale, Arizona and St. Pete's in Florida. He also went fishing at the Baycrest Lodge in Belleview, Ontario for 25 years with the same group of men, first week of June each year.

      Gerald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was He had a dog as a pet all of his life., who was a best friend for Always. Last one was "Bella". His family was rounded out by his horses and a pony.

      Since it was easy for Gerald to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Gerald was ready when that day to retire finally came in Spring of 2016. Remaining in Kitchener, Ontario. In retirement, he found new pleasure in watching grandchildren play hockey, fish, taking the whole family (19 people) to one cottage for a week. Oh, what fun we had! Even in retirement, Gerald stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Gerald passed away on May 8, 2017 at With his family, peacefully at home, Kitchener, Ontario. Gerald fought a brave battle against cancer over 4 years. Gerald will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener, Ontario.

      Gerald was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Gerald was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Gerald Gordon Horner.

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Lovingly taken by the angels, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, May 8, 2017, at the age of 74 years. Beloved husband of Charlotte Horner (nee Matlock). Dear father of Tina Horner, Sherri Maziarz (Dave), Tammy Ackerland (Dave), and Kim Glofcheskie (Kevin). Loved grandfather of Mitchell, Mikayla, Carter, Brad, Dylan, Justin, Brianna, Parker, Kyle, and Katelynn. Brother of Shirley Holdenmeyer (Jim). Also remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Mary Horner. Gerry will be remembered as an amazing man who always gave of himself and never expected anything in return, always willing and able to help others. An avid fisherman, he will also be missed by his fishing buddies with whom he embarked on a fishing trip every June. Gerry spent many years working in automotive sales since the age of 25, owning his own dealership, most recently working for Cambridge Centre Honda. If you ever needed to know anything about cars, Gerry was the guy to ask! Gerry’s family wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and home care providers who gave their love and support to Gerry. Cremation has taken place. Gerry’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life at the KW Naval Association, 315 Weber St. N., Waterloo, on Saturday, June 3, 2017, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. If desired, memorial donations would be appreciated to Sick Kids Hospital, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8. Arrangements entrusted to Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900). Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com