Dr. Frank Gerald RIDGE

1926 - 2021

RIDGE, Dr. Frank Gerald Dr. Frank Gerald Ridge (best known as Jerry), passed away peacefully at North York General Hospital on Monday, December 20, 2021. at the age of 95 years. Jerry was born, a single child, to Helen Ridge (nee Allan) and Frank Henry Ridge, on August 17, 1926. and was raised in Hamilton, Ontario. In early 1945, against his parents' wishes, Jerry joined the Canadian Army and when the war ended several months later, he was given an honourable discharge and the funding to attend the post-secondary institution of his choice. He attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Indiana university in Bloomington Indiana, U.S.A. and McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, cumulating in a thesis written on the Canadian Arctic and a PHD in Geography, in 1953. Jerry began is career in 1954, with the North York Board of Education, moved to the Metropolitan Toronto Board of Education, and after 35 years in the field, retired as the Director of Capital Research and Planning, in May of 1989, at which time he rewarded himself with a long awaited purchase of a Porsche. During this time, he also taught night school courses in Urban Planning at the Ontario Institute of Education, University of Toronto. In 1958, Jerry married his wife, Elizabeth Joan Ridge (nee Campbell) (best known as Joan), the love of his life and the woman he referred to as "my sweetie" for 63 years. He is survived by Joan and his children, John, Jane, Gerald and his wife Leslie and Joan-Marie Martino and her husband Joe. Grandpa was dearly loved by his grandchildren, David and Patricia, Jacquelyn, Samantha and Racquel, Joey and Michael and Joey's wife, Stefanie, and their sons, Domenico and Stefano, Jerry's great-grandchildren. Once retired, Jerry and Joan began their worldwide travels, that often included cruises, to areas such as the Canadian Arctic and Alaska, the Mediterranean (where at the age of 83, Jerry climbed all 253 steps of the Leaning Tower of Pisa), Asia, and many more. Their winters were spent at their condominium, Key Capri, in Treasure Island, Florida and throughout their travels they gathered many lifetime friends, who loved and admired them. Jerry and Joan have also been 63-year members of the Toronto Cricket, Curling and Skating Club, where they curled, and their children participated in figure skating and squash and where the family often gathered to celebrate their significant events. Jerry lived a long life, with few health issues, with the exception of the past few months and was very fortunate to live to the age of 95, particularly considering his love for sweets and desserts! At this time, Joan and Jerry's children would like to sincerely thank all of the caregivers who have been of assistance to them, in the last year. A private family gathering was held at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, at 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 4K4, on Monday, December 27, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Ridge family.