GERALD "GERRY" DECLUTE

It is with broken hearts that we share the news that Gerald "Gerry" DeClute passed away peacefully, on November 3, 2024, at the age of 83. He will be dearly remembered by his loving wife of 37 years, Dorothy; four children, Rochelle DeClute (Patrick Devine), Rick DeClute (Kelly Cook), Alicia Thurston (Mike Holownych) and Ford Thurston (Sarah Stemmler); 11 grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, Janine, Patrick, Keisha, Keighen, Makaela, Emalee, Taylor, Lex and Olivia; four great-grandchildren, Finn, Leo, Jack, and Noah; his sisters-in-law, June Haynes and Joan Sutton; brother-in-law, Don George; and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was predeceased by his son, Randy; his brother, Warren DeClute; his sister, Dorthea DeClute; and his brothers-in-law, Milton Fice, Dave Haynes and Bob Sutton. Gerry was much loved and appreciated by his family, friends, and business associates. His greatest attribute was his kind, generous and fun-loving nature that permeated all aspects of his life. As a young adult he and his brother Warren had a passion for building and racing stock cars, and renovating houses as they supported their mom in her real estate endeavours. Having grown up and lived in the East end for his entire life, Gerry valued his community, and was an integral part of it. He generously supported Beaches minor league teams, schools, Community Centre 55, Beaches Lions Club and Michael Garron Hospital where he was born and 83 years later passed away. His love of rugby and ongoing support of the Balmy Beach Club is legendary and has spanned over 50 years. He will be deeply missed at the Balmy Beach Club by his buddies who still gather to "tell lies" and raise a glass to one another. He enjoyed a wonderful 43-year career as a Real Estate Broker in the East end of Toronto, particularly the Beach. The love of real estate and his passion for it was shared with his wife, Dorothy. In his many years in retirement, it was always delightful for him and Dorothy to see past clients who would greet him, often recalling and sharing stories of his caring and professional service. It is easy to understand why Rochelle, Rick and Ford were attracted to and have the same passion for their careers in real estate. Gerry lived life well. He embraced every opportunity to share time with his family and friends. He could always be counted on for keeping spirits light with his humour and sharp wit. He enjoyed being on the Captain's Committee and golfing at Scarboro Golf & Country Club, and travelling with his golfing buddies whenever possible. As a family, they shared 30 years of fabulous skiing at Holimont, abundant après ski time in Ellicottville, NY, and more recently, 12 years vacationing in the sunshine at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. Dorothy and Gerry travelled to many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and most of the US. The memories of all these special times together will sustain Dorothy and the family when they are missing him. Gerry loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was very proud of them. He will always be that special Grampa Ger who stood by Gigi's side as her husband, best friend and partner. The family would like to thank the compassionate and capable caregivers at Providence Villa Adult Day program where Gerry attended for the past 20 months. A very heartfelt thanks to the incredible nurses, doctors and staff at Michael Garron Hospital for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please share a random act of kindness/donate in Gerry's name to Providence Villa Adult Day Program by visiting gerrydeclute.stmichaelsfoundation.com. A Celebration of Life will be held for Gerry on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. at the Balmy Beach Club.