GERALD TILBURY

November 22, 1933 - December 10, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Edwin Tilbury (Jerry) on December 10, 2025 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at the age of 92 years.

Jerry was born in Fort William, Ontario on November 22, 1933. He had the easiest birthday to remember: 11-22-33. He was the first born of Ted and Muriel (Raby) Tilbury and grew up in the Cameron and Archibald Street neighbourhoods. Having had to leave high school at the age of 16 so that he could go to work to help support the family, Jerry got a job at Canadian Pacific Railway and eventually was sent to Golden, BC as a Machinist Apprentice in 1954. There, Jerry met his wife-to-be, the former Madeleine LaPlante, and the two fell in love and were married on July 16, 1955, at St. Paul's church in Nelson, BC, just two days shy of Madeleine's (Mads') 20th birthday.

After completing his apprenticeship, the newlyweds travelled to Fort William where Jerry continued his employment with the CPR. He also played football with the Redskins in the 50's, a sport he loved, and hugely enjoyed bumping into his old football chums over the years, especially those who played for the Ukes.

Homelife for Jerry and Madeleine started with a little wartime house on Frederica Street, and in 1958 the family grew as Kevin Joseph came along. With the addition of Scott Leigh in 1963, the growing family needed a new house, and so in 1964 the Tilbury's moved to Wiltshire Crescent. In 1968, Melissa Anne came along and finally in 1970, just 3 days from being a New Years Baby and first born in the newly minted city of Thunder Bay, Maureen Allison arrived. Scott, Melissa and Maureen were all welcomed into the family via adoption, a measure of the generous spirit of Jerry the man.

Over the years, Jerry enjoyed many pastimes, including playing fastball at the CPR diamond in Westfort, curling, riding his bike to work in the summertime, camping at Blue Lake and family trips out to BC to visit Madeleine's relatives. Some of our best memories as kids were those family trips.

In his later years, Jerry joined the choir at his beloved First Church United and later at First Wesley and took great joy in singing with his friends from the church and the Cantate Choir. He had a wonderful, deep, rich voice. He attended church most Sundays chauffeured by his buddy Gord and still sang in the choir right up until his most recent illness that had him hospitalized.

Jerry was predeceased by his daughter Maureen in 2014, and a few months later, by his wife Madeleine, and by many other beloved family and friends over the years. He is survived by his children, Kevin (Cheryl), Scott (Jennifer) and daughter Melissa. Proud Grandpa to Matthew, Max, Molly, Michael, Katie, and Andrew and Great Grandpa to Grace, Chloe and Holly and our newest addition Karson as well as other extended family.

Thanks to the many people who enriched Dad's life over the years and especially to the residents and staff of Glacier Ridge. During his short time at Glacier Ridge, Jerry was so happy to see a few of the residents that he knew from "back in the day", but sadly, he wasn't there long enough to make many new friends.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at First Wesley United Church, 130 Brodie St. N, Thunder Bay. If so desired and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com