SHELLY, Gerald 'Gerry' Edwin

With sweet sadness we announce the peaceful MAID assisted passing of Gerald Edwin Shelly on February 5, 2024, at his home in Niagara-on-the Lake. Gerry was born May 26,1933 in Walkerville, Ontario to Denis and Muriel Shelly. When Gerry was five, he, along with his siblings and mother had to work to support the family as his father joined the war effort. Gerry began selling the Liberty newspaper for five cents and was able to pocket a penny. As he grew older and stronger, he was able to deliver ice, bale hay, and many other jobs. His favourite was exercising the horses at the racetrack behind their house. Later in life, he was able to enjoy the horses for pleasure, including competing in the Royal Winter Fair and playing polo.

With his work ethic well established, Gerry graduated from high school and studied graphic arts at Ryerson, which led to a job at the Etobicoke Press as a typesetter. He quickly realized that his brother was making far more money selling automobiles, so, starting at the bottom washing cars he began a lifetime in the automotive industry. He and his brother established Carway Motors, and the pinnacle of his career was becoming president and partner of Chryslers Big Three in Toronto.

Gerry always had a fondness for travel, especially to warm climates. As a young man, he spent a lot of time in Acapulco deep-sea fishing. He had a great love of the water and had many boats over the years. Whether he was on his beloved Ardilaun lsland in Georgian Bay or his winter home in Treasure Cay in the Bahamas, Gerry loved to be behind the wheel of a boat. He retired early enough to enjoy all these things and then he added another. He played golf with a passion and loved to practice. Last year was an incredible golf season for him, his seasonal average score was below his age. 

With his twinkling eyes and quick, easy, welcoming smile, Gerry was a man who exuded warmth, contentment, and a true enjoyment of life. He was a perpetual optimist. Gerry noticed and appreciated all that was beautiful in life, water, the sun, roses, fine dining, tea and cookies in the afternoon, and a good golf course.

Gerry married his beloved Helen (Sorkilmo) who predeceased him in 2004. He was the much-loved father of Gerald (Linda), Darryl and Denise (David), five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Love blossomed again for Gerry, and he married his cherished wife, Peggy Larder in 2007. They felt like two teenagers as they began their life together. Gerry was predeceased by his parents Denis and Muriel, and siblings, Denis and Maureen.

In keeping with Gerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and his ashes are to be scattered among many treasured places. The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.

A heartfelt thank you for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Gerry by the health personnel. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish may make a memorial donation to Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care, who provide a tremendous service to our community. Special thanks to friends who made this journey with us, may your kindness be returned a thousandfold. Farewell to a true gentleman.

Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com