Obituary for James Charles Gerow
Gerow, James Charles
James Charles Gerow, also known as Jim or Jimmy, passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2022. Jim left us doing his most loved activity, while on an annual fishing trip on beautiful Bray Lake in northern Ontario. Passing from natural causes peacefully, his dear friend Bryan Burmaster was his fishing companion until the end. James Gerow was born on April 10, 1957 in Windsor, Ontario raised by an adoring, selfless couple named Edward ‘Bud’ and Edna Gerow. In 2004, Jim met the love of his life Karen (1957-2020), after they connected on their mutual love of ice cream. Karen was the Ying to his Yang, caring for and loving each other with their dog Rocky, until the last days of her battle with long-term illnesses.
Jim started his long and illustrious career as an Electrical Inspector at the Electrical Safety Authority 35 years ago, making a name for himself with his incredible wit and talent to problem solve. He made many close friends during his tenure. Jim’s service didn’t end with the ESA – he was a self-taught Botanist and worked to develop the finest tinctures for his friends. You could always rely on Jim to tell a cheeky joke or animated story about his antics. It was in Jim’s nature to be generous – all he wanted was to share a good time with friends and family.
Growing up in Jim’s house was never dull. There was always a bike to be ridden or a lake to be fished by him and his two daughters, Lauren and Brittany (Ellen Gerow). Jim’s wisdom and excellent memory was always tested by Brittany’s inquisitive nature. And Lauren inherited Jim’s strong-willed nature and tenacity. During their formative years, Lauren and Brittany will always cherish the memories of visiting Sauble Beach and camping in the wilderness. Jim was always there for his daughters for advice, adventure, and useful trivia.
Jim had a large extended family that he connected with later in life. After Bud and Edna’s passing, he spent time building his family tree, discovering his birth parents, the late Ted Stewart and Beatrice Freed and half-sister Cathy Mink. Today his eldest daughter Lauren Gerow (Steve Maclellan) and Brittany Gerow (Corey Way) hope to connect with anyone who may have a funny or warm story to share. Jim’s last wishes in recent years was to be celebrated, not mourned, over a good glass of cognac and a fresh cigar. In lieu of flowers, Jim would have cherished a donation to his Mind Forward brain injury community group at 905-949-4411 or mindforward.org.
A drop-in celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Caledon Hills Brewing Company from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
A tree will be planted in memory of James in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. 21st Annual Dedication Service will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com
James Charles Gerow, also known as Jim or Jimmy, passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2022. Jim left us doing his most loved activity, while on an annual fishing trip on beautiful Bray Lake in northern Ontario. Passing from natural causes peacefully, his dear friend Bryan Burmaster was his fishing companion until the end. James Gerow was born on April 10, 1957 in Windsor, Ontario raised by an adoring, selfless couple named Edward ‘Bud’ and Edna Gerow. In 2004, Jim met the love of his life Karen (1957-2020), after they connected on their mutual love of ice cream. Karen was the Ying to his Yang, caring for and loving each other with their dog Rocky, until the last days of her battle with long-term illnesses.
Jim started his long and illustrious career as an Electrical Inspector at the Electrical Safety Authority 35 years ago, making a name for himself with his incredible wit and talent to problem solve. He made many close friends during his tenure. Jim’s service didn’t end with the ESA – he was a self-taught Botanist and worked to develop the finest tinctures for his friends. You could always rely on Jim to tell a cheeky joke or animated story about his antics. It was in Jim’s nature to be generous – all he wanted was to share a good time with friends and family.
Growing up in Jim’s house was never dull. There was always a bike to be ridden or a lake to be fished by him and his two daughters, Lauren and Brittany (Ellen Gerow). Jim’s wisdom and excellent memory was always tested by Brittany’s inquisitive nature. And Lauren inherited Jim’s strong-willed nature and tenacity. During their formative years, Lauren and Brittany will always cherish the memories of visiting Sauble Beach and camping in the wilderness. Jim was always there for his daughters for advice, adventure, and useful trivia.
Jim had a large extended family that he connected with later in life. After Bud and Edna’s passing, he spent time building his family tree, discovering his birth parents, the late Ted Stewart and Beatrice Freed and half-sister Cathy Mink. Today his eldest daughter Lauren Gerow (Steve Maclellan) and Brittany Gerow (Corey Way) hope to connect with anyone who may have a funny or warm story to share. Jim’s last wishes in recent years was to be celebrated, not mourned, over a good glass of cognac and a fresh cigar. In lieu of flowers, Jim would have cherished a donation to his Mind Forward brain injury community group at 905-949-4411 or mindforward.org.
A drop-in celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Caledon Hills Brewing Company from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
A tree will be planted in memory of James in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. 21st Annual Dedication Service will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com