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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WOODLEY, Gerald Arthur (Gerry) - passed away peacefully in his 96th year in the Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Beloved husband of the late Glenna (Heath), father of 4 children, Michael, Dawn (Jean), Janice (Doug), Christine (Robert), 8 grandchildren, Natalie, Amanda, Kate, Mark, Virginia, Tegan, Eric, Andrew, 2 step-grandchildren Stephanie and Marc, and 2 great-grandchildren, Caleb and Andie. Gerry was born in Toronto in 1925 to parents Cecil and Ursula Woodley. He grew up in central Toronto, during the Depression years. He was the second oldest of 5 children, 4 sisters, Shirley, Mary, Barbara and Patricia. At age 17 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy to make his contribution to World War II effort. He was a 1st Class Stoker on the HMCS BURLINGTON. Their campaign was the Battle of the Atlantic, including the surrender of German U-190 at Bay Bulls, Newfoundland; Escort Convoys in the North Atlantic and the Canadian Eastern Seaboard. He served from 1942 until 1945 and received the 1939-45 Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Overseas Clasp, and the Victory Medal. He benefited from post naval training in Toronto and joined UA Local 46 Toronto in 1947. He enjoyed many years with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry. He was a great example of the work ethic. He also was a long-standing member of the Canadian Legon. While in the Navy he met his future bride Glenna, 1st class Writer in the Royal Canadian Navy. They married and settled in Toronto. They established a home in Willowdale where they raised their 4 children and stayed in the same house on Olive Avenue until moving to country acreage, outside of Sutton Ontario after retirement. The family also spent many weekends and summer vacations at the family cottage that Gerry built on Kawagama Lake, Haliburton. In retirement he travelled extensively with Glenna, visiting many locales Europe, the British Isles and southern climes especially during the winter months. After Glenna passed in 1984, Gerry continued travelling, enjoying the warm climates away from Canadian winters. He could be counted on to leave in the Fall and reappear in the Spring with regularity. These extended trips all incorporated his joy of sticking to a strict budget and getting the most for his money, lessons learned early in life growing up during the Depression. He was very up to date on local, worldwide current events and politics and certainly had his opinions, enjoyed a good discussion about those topics. He liked a good book more than most other forms of entertainment. Gerry very much enjoyed family gatherings and visits with his children and grandchildren. Dad chose to move to the Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook when he was in his late 80's. The family wishes to thank the Doctors, Nurses, staff members and volunteers in the Veterans Wing and in the Hospital facility itself for their dedicated care, professional service and support over the years. Special thanks to his Personal Support Workers, Salve and Ana. His wish to be cremated has been fulfilled, plans for interment in Sutton will be made in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. (The Toronto Star 21 Aug 2021)
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