Harold "Gerry" Alexander Lewis

LEWIS Harold "Gerry" Alexander  87 - died Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Woodstock General Hospital.

Gerry was a devoted husband to Claire and a loving father to Cathy (Gord), David (Marla), and Jennifer (Jason). He was a proud granddad to Dan (Lisa), David (Katie), Kelly (Michael), Kaitland, Emily (Mike), Jacob (Phoebe), Riva, Ezra, Izaak, and Avi; and great-granddad to Presley, Kieran, Brendan, Bethany, Violet and Nora.

Gerry grew up in Stratford, Ontario where he developed interests that would stay with him for life. His greatest passion was music, a love he inherited from his late father. He enjoyed all genres (including classical, jazz, opera, country), curating impressive vinyl and CD collections over the years. When he lost the majority of his eyesight later in life, he used his Google Home — to which he was exceedingly polite — to play his music.

Gerry played and coached sports and was an ardent Habs fan. He loved to travel, and proudly represented the YMCA in several west African countries, subsequently raising funds to supply safe and clean water access to villages there. He was an avid birder, a hobby he shared with his late friend “Barnie” Barnwell, and delighted in every sighting.

With no formal education, Gerry built a 35+ year career with The Royal Bank, rising quickly through the ranks to upper management. He faced his greatest career challenge as manager of The Place Ville Marie Royal Bank Tower in Montreal, navigating a bomb threat and ensuring the safety of 800 employees during the FLQ crisis.

Gerry’s family will hold memories of him close, remembering his integrity, his penchant for telling grand stories, his infectious laugh, his gratitude for Clear Lake, and his (legendary) brown swimming trunks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stratford Summer Music in Gerry’s honour at  https://stratfordsummermusic.ca

Expressions of love and sympathy may be given at www.brockandvisser.com