Gerald Vernon Morrison

Known to so many as “Gerry”, a few select individuals as “Jed” and even fewer as “Seppi”, Dad remained on this earth for as long as he possibly could, to be close to his wife of 64 years, Helen (nee Hodgson).

Gerry and Helen were graced with five children, Tim (Jane), Paul, Kate, Charlie and Susie (Chris).

Papa will be deeply missed by his clan of grandchildren: Corey, Jenna, Bailey (Dylan), Chantal (Adam), Shawn, Julie, Warren (Maddy), Mitchell, Logan and Cooper. And three great grandchildren, Jack, Olivia and Basil.

Dad never forgot his only sibling and brother, Joe, who left us way too soon. Uncle Gerry will be fondly remembered by niece, Kathy (Dean) and nephew, Kevin (Lisa) and so many other cousins and relatives.

Predeceased by his parents, Charles and Irene (nee Hannam), and niece, Marg Bush. Given Dad’s age, many family and friends passed away during his lifetime. He dearly missed them all.

Dad wore many hats over the years, with a few standing out. In the early days, he ran the Texaco Garage that used to sit at the corner of Nottingham and Gordon Streets, conveniently located across from the frequented Army and Navy Club.

In the late 60’s, Dad founded Gerry’s Industrial Service, the first forklift sales and service company in Guelph at the time. The business grew substantially over the years, and is still in the family and operational today. Not bad for a country boy raised on a fox farm with almost but not quite a Grade 8 education.

Many of Dad’s dearest memories were the late nights “working” with his best buddies in “The Shop.” There were frequent “meetings” that entailed hours of stories, terrible jokes, wales of laughter and often bellowing out lonesome country songs, generally off key, with the odd train whistle thrown in.

In his retirement, Dad was enthralled with restoring antique tractors, especially Gibsons. At one time he had a fleet of about 20 various models and years. A great day for him would be a warm summers day, the shop door up, Willie’s Roadhouse music playing and a wrench in his hand (to make it look like he was working). Friends and family would regularly drop by and “shoot the breeze.”

As time went on, Dad’s body was failing him, but with Mom’s unending support, he fought and conquered 4 different cancers and more than one addiction.

As caregiver burnout and Alzheimer’s set in for Mom, they regrettably had to sell their Watson Road home in early 2023, and subsequently moved into the Village of Arbour Trails on Stone Road, where Mom remains.

Dad chose not to have a funeral. Rather, he wanted his friends and family to remember him in the spirit of “The Shop” - casual, laughter, music.

In honouring his wishes, family are hosting a drop in Celebration of Life at the Guelph Country Club, 133 Woodlawn Rd. E, from 1 - 4 pm on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Dress is casual and stories are a must!

Gerry wasn’t the flowery type, but he did appreciate the care he received through Guelph Wellington Home Care, should anyone wish to honour his memory in that way. These arrangements are entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home – Hart Chapel, Donations and condolences can made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson-hart.com