Gerry passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House, Exeter on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Devoted husband of Marilyn Joy (Hermeston) Pierce. Survived by his brother Blair (Barbara), and his sister Judy (Paul). Proud uncle and great uncle to many.
Gerry was a geography teacher his entire career; he was respected and loved by colleagues and pupils alike.
The family expresses our thanks to the many healthcare workers who provided exemplary care to Gerry over the years of his health challenges.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at 16 Sydenham Drive, Ilderton (Coldstream) on Sunday, September 21st at 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jessica’s House Exeter or Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation of Canada.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jack and Erkie.
Our condolences with the passing of Gerry
Jean-Marc Begin (Son in law of Gerry's sister Judy)
Uncle Gerry and I had a common shared interest in motorcycles and cars and spent many hours annoying family with our distracted gabbing on the topic.
I aspire to be half the gentleman with one quarter the wit and charm of Gerry.
He was a phenomenal example of a truly interesting but even more so interested man who always made me feel welcomed and accepted.
I’ll miss him.
Ursula Neumann (Wieser) and Bert Neumann
So sorry to hear of Mr. Pierce’s passing. He was a great teacher and a truly kind soul. He made an impression on students from Sutton many years ago. He will be missed.
Fraser Cartwright
So sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. Condolences to you Joy, and the wider community of family and friends. I share many great memories of Gerry as a teacher and fellow writer. Always the consummate gentleman with a great sense of life and humour. He will be missed.
Robin Schwill
Very saddened to hear about this, Mrs. Pierce.
My most heartfelt sympathies to you.
I wish I could also attend the celebration of life ceremony but will regrettably be out of the province that day.
Hopefully, Lilly, MaryLynn, Erik and I can get a chance to visit you soon.
You are most fondly in our thoughts.
Be well.
Janet Ball
I am so sorry Joy to hear about Gerry’s passing. I know it has been many years since we have had contact but I fondly remember visiting you and Gerry when you had your farm. Dennis (divorced in 2011) and I would bring our kids for a visit and we so enjoyed your company. We always had great conversations with you both. I know he had his health issues and fought them for many years. I know he will be greatly missed.
Ron McCracken
I am so sorry, Joy, to learn of Jerry’s death. Our kids so enjoyed his classes. I found him a strong supporter of the library and such an enjoyable colleague. God bless you as you carry on. Thanks to both of you for your friendship.
Christine Bradbrook (Oldfield)
Sad to hear the news of Gerry’s passing and sending my condolences to Joy and all his family.
I met Gerry in 1983 when I was an exchange Geography teacher from the UK working at Sutton District High School for a year. We became friends and have been in touch ever since. I last visited him and Joy some years ago with my family but we had continued to exchange news.
Laura Hutchinson
Gerry was a wonderful teacher and an even better mentor as my department head at Vaughan Secondary School. He loved his subject matter of geography and was finishing off his career while Joy had moved to London area to start their retirement. He helped me throughout my semester there and gave me a tremendous amount of support with my challenging classes. Jerry was integral and a great friend. I will always be grateful that we crossed paths. As I moved on in my career to Hamilton, we kept in touch for years and then somehow as my kids got older we lost touch. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Gerry was a gem.
Patricia Decksheimer
To the Pierce family, I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love from your cousin Pat Decksheimer (Clarke)
Bill and Mary Anne Dowding
Sincere condolences to all.
Gerry was a great neighbour and friend. It was always enjoyable to visit with Gerry and Joy. We chatted about cars, motorcycles, politics, art, sports, teaching and farming. Gerry will be missed by us.
Julian Melling
I would like to offer condolences to all the family and relatives for your great loss.
I first met Gerry and Joy circa 1972/73 when I was living in the rolling landscapes 30 minutes east of Bancroft. They bought a rustic old farmstead at the top of our dead end gravel road to use on weekends and as a summer retreat. I think what appealed to them was the absolute peace, the forested hills with a few smaller fields in the flatter areas. The rugged beauty of the rolling hills, the remoteness of it all and the solitude with hardly a house in sight all gave them a sense of calm. Shortly after their arrival they dropped by to introduce themselves in their typical friendly and easy going fashion, we have been friends ever since. They would drop by most times when they were up and we shared stories and talked of many common interests we had and laughed a lot. I am not sure of the timeframe but as they were wont to do they moved on as did I at some point too. After the Bancroft days physical distance limited visits as they hopped from place to place gradually moving westward in the province and further afield. I think though that I managed a visit or two to every one of the many diverse properties they owned over the years, I would stay over or spend a few hours for one of Joy’s nice lunches or dinners. It was always some good laughs and fun conversations. In the intervening periods we always kept in contact via email and the odd telephone conversation.
He was of solid moral and ethical character and always approached life with a plan and a determination to see it through. A man with undying loyalty and commitment to Joy in every sense. For me it was a bit over five decades of a great friendship shared ideas, info, common interests, and general gab. I miss Gerry already but I will never forget the friendship.
Julian Melling
Moe Nurbhai
Our deepest condolences to your family. Jerry was a dear friend and a great neighbour he will be greatly missed
Peter Jensen
Please accept our condolences, Joy, Blair, and Judy, on the passing of your dear husband and father, Gerry. He was in all respects a very good man and we admired him. We were friends together in the Probus Club of Forest and I know he will be greatly missed by you and all of us. Peter and Ruth Ann Jensen.