Gerald Bernard Williams
elevated 2z5vI September 26, 1934 ~ July 21, 2025
elevated 2z5vI Visitation
Monday, July 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East Thornhill, Ontario L3T 3Z6
elevated 2z5vI Funeral Mass
Monday, July 28, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 2z5vI Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery – Section 22
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario L3T 2C7
elevated 2z5vI It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Bernard Williams, who was born on September 26, 1934, and departed this life on July 21, 2025. He was in his 90th year. He was the beloved son of the late Alexander Williams and Pauline Whelan and brother to the late Alex (Joyce), Alfred (Aileen), Louis (Marcella), John (Denise), David, and James. Gerald grew up on Silver Birch Ave, where he met his childhood sweetheart, Patricia, who would later become his devoted wife for 53 years.
elevated 2z5vI Gerald was a loving husband and father, predeceased by his wife Patricia (Wright) and precious son Michael, who will be missed by his cherished children: Joe, Karen (Tony), Mark (Echo), and Derek (Lindsay). He was a proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren: Kristen, Caroline, Marilyn, Michelle (Mike), Shawn (Kristen), Nick (Quinn), Ryan (Carlos), Jennifer, Marke-Beth (Dalton), Ronnie-Marie, Matthew, James, Noah, Rhys, Abigail, and Madeleine, as well as great-grandfather to 8 beautiful great-grandchildren: Taylor, Matthew, Adelyn, Cohen, Riley, Landon, Oceana, and Winter. He will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
elevated 2z5vI Gerald began his career in policing in 1956 as a police cadet with the Toronto Police Service, where he served with dedication and integrity. In 1960, he began a new chapter in his career with IBM Canada in management and he relocated to Edmonton, Alberta. Missing their extended family in 1964 he transferred back to Ontario. He purchased a new house in the village of, Markham, where he continued his career with IBM until his retirement in 1992. Gerald spent the majority of his life in Markham, where he was an active member of the community. While his sons were growing up he dedicated his free time to coaching hockey and the Markham Minor Hockey Association. His continued commitment to service was also evident through his involvement with the Knights of Columbus and his parish St. Patrick’s Church.
elevated 2z5vI In Retirement, Gerald found joy in driving for Laidlaw, where he spent several years as a school bus driver, relishing the opportunity to connect with children on their daily journeys and during class trips. His warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, compassion, and community service will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
elevated 2z5vI Visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, followed by a funeral mass in the Chapel of St. Joseph at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place right after at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery – Section 22. We then return back to the funeral home for a celebration of Gerald’s life and to honor his memory and share stories of the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice in Gerald’s name, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others.
elevated 2z5vI Rest in peace, Gerald. Your love and laughter will forever echo in our hearts, and your spirit will live on in the lives you touched.
elevated 2z5vI
elevated 2z5vI
elevated 2z5vI
Mr Williams, a true gentleman will be remembered for his warmth and kindness. I always looked for him at the Santa Claus parade, his smile was unmistakable! Sending love to the family from a friend of Michael ♥️
RIP Gerry. Thank you for always being a friend and a mentor to the Bushells. 🙏🏻❤️💕
Visiting your parents was a highlight of visits to Toronto as a kid. Unlike other uncles and aunts we visited, your parents would talk to me. It might have been because I was named after Gerald but I recall he always asked what I was happening in school and what I was reading. I was an avid reader as a little kid and he was the only adult who asked questions about the plots of whatever Hardy Boy book I was reading.
In my teens he took first my older brothers and then me on the canoeing trip to Algonquin park. It is difficult to describe the importance of that trip in my life. I’m often surprised how often memories of that trip entered my mind throughout my life.
When I was in my twenties I grew curious about the lives of my grandparents, who had separated when Gerald was under 10 years old. I spent an afternoon with Gerald looking at pictures and him telling me about his parents and the woman who became his father’s de facto spouse. I remember him being gentle and telling me stories about growing up and his relationship with his brothers and being the first to tell me about his brothers james and david. What was vivid was his lightheartedness wrapping his compassion.
My mother called him “the nice one” to single him out from his brothers, including my father. She told me that she named me Gerald because she wanted me to be like Gerald. He was remarkable the way he effortlessly left a lasting impression of goodness.
I’m glad to be Gerald.
Hi Gerald, reading your comments on my grandfather, a relative we both share. I can acknowledge and understand the sincerity of your words and sentiments, I can envision Grandpa Gerald’s demeanor and personality, being so kind and ever so gentle.
It is great to hear and share your experiences with such a remarkable individual. I am elated he has touched your heart and has left an everlasting impression that forever changed you and molded you. You have a remarkable name, named after the kindest hearted individual I have ever met in my whole life.
Thank you for sharing
I was fortunate to wok with Gerry at the bus company and was glad to call him a great fried. Gerry was a pleasure to talk to and work with even though it was mostly hockey. A man everybody liked and cared for. RIP Gerry.
RIP 🌹
What a kind and gentle gentleman:). We drove a school bus together. Gerry always had a smile. And his kind gentleman voice ❤️
He will be missed 🙁
I am a family friend of Derek and Lindsay, and I had the pleasure of meeting Gerald a few times through them. Each time, he was warm, kind, and carried a genuinely positive spirit. His gentle presence left a lasting impression, and he will be fondly remembered
I have so many memories of Gerry and the whole family. Wishing you all peace and our condolences at this time.
Joe and Allyson Valcheff
Derek, Lindsay and family, We are sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. We know how much he meant to you, and hope you’re able to find comfort in the good memories you shared.
Thinking of you and sending lots of love your way.