Gerry Voyer

VOYER, Gerry

Gerry passed away surrounded by the love of his family and friends Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, in his 73rd year. Beloved and devoted husband to Marlene Voyer (nee Walter). Proud father to Tim Voyer and Dave Voyer (Jody). Cherished grandfather to Austin and Alexis. Predeceased by parents Emile and Louise (nee Marasse) Voyer and siblings Simone Francetich (Eldon), Leona Seguin (Raoul-surviving), Arthur Voyer (Agnes -surviving), Don Voyer (Diane), and Normand Voyer (Antoinette). Survived by sister Cecile Barham (Gary). Lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and all relations, both Voyers and Walters, as well as many friends, including those from the Corbeil Four Seasons Club who gave him one last performance in his last hours. Gerry was a kind, generous and humble man who loved to laugh. Customers at Gerry’s Auto were treated like family and received honest service. He opened the shop in 1982 and worked seven-day weeks to make it a success. He enjoyed the art of woodworking and his scroll saw projects were very popular at craft shows, although he spent most of the time walking around and chatting with vendors, leaving Marlene to deal with customers at their booth! His biggest project was a nine-year restoration of a 1935 Indiana open top tour bus from the ground up. It was made completely of oak and ash covered with aluminum. One of his favourite pastimes was touring the country by motorcycle with Marlene and friends. It started in his early teens when he rebuilt an old British bike in the basement of their Corbeil homestead. His mom was not impressed with the smell of the house when he started it up. In Kitchener as a teen, he and a friend tried to ride home for Christmas in sub-zero weather and they almost made it before having to call his father to be picked up in the truck. With Marlene on back behind him, they covered thousands of miles on trips, including an adventure to Wisconsin for the 90th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson’s factory, long sojourns to B.C. and Newfoundland and as many day trips as possible. With his love of bikes and easy manner, he made many friends at the track while Tim was competing at vintage motorcycle racing events. Gerry had a huge heart and supported numerous local causes that worked to make his hometown community of East Ferris and the North Bay area stronger. He left an impact on everyone who was privileged to know him. Among his simple joys was time with family sharing tea steeped on an outdoor fire to wash down pork sandwiches, a childhood memory he cherished and wanted to share that with his sons and grandchildren. While fishing, he was just as happy to glimpse wildlife on the lake or shoreline as catch dinner. Gerry believed in a kind, generous, loving world and thought this was just the right way to live, not realizing that he was an exception in an unsettled and often unkind world. When his health prevented Gerry from physically working in the garage you would always find him sitting on the deck with Kitty nearby and you could always expect a huge welcome, often with a smart crack or joke when you drove in. Gerry has left the world a better place and has left us all better people for knowing him. The family will receive visitors at the McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) Friday Jan. 3, 2020 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Memorial Mass celebrated at Paroisse Sacre Coeur in Corbeil Saturday Jan. 4, 2020 at 11 am. Donations suggested to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Nurses of NBRHC especially Emma, Lori, Christine and Marsha for their outstanding care and compassion. Online condolences at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com