(November 6, 1953 - March 10, 2026)
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gerald Merton Maines — known to almost everyone as Gerry.
Gerry was, above all else, a family man. He shared 52 years of marriage with his wife Carmen, a partnership built on love, laughter, and a whole lot of life lived together. He was a devoted father to Valerie and Adam Dukelow, Victoria and Colin Edwards, and Amanda and Benjamin Orchard, and a proud grandfather to Madeleine, Alexis, Charles, Penelope, Wren, and Henrik — six grandchildren who knew exactly how to make his eyes light up. Surrounded by the women in his life, he wore the role of family supervisor with quiet pride. He is also survived by his brother Edward.
After a career of over 25 years with Air Canada, Gerry stepped into retirement and never slowed down. In the years that followed, he could often be found tending to his garden with devotion and stubborn care, puttering around in his woodshed where something was always in progress, cheering on his local hockey team, or settling in for coffee with friends that often turned into long conversations — never rushed, and always better for it.
Those who knew Gerry knew his passions well: the crack of a pool cue — a love first sparked by his father Merton — the feeling of fresh air and open land, the right song at the right moment, and the particular joy of having the whole family together under one roof. He was a devoted member of his snowmobile club, taking pride in grooming the trails that others would enjoy.
Gerry had a curious spirit and a breadth of knowledge that never stopped growing. He was a lifelong learner and a quiet advocate — someone whose wisdom found its way into the people around him, often without them realizing it until later. He saw the world with wondering eyes, and that curiosity spread through his family like something inherited. He had a way of making wherever he was feel like the place to be — often with music, laughter, and an ability to pull people into the moment whether they planned to or not.
Gerry had a presence that stayed with you. He saw people. He saw their hearts, and he had a way of making you feel known, even when he didn’t always say it directly.
He will be remembered in the laughter that carried through rooms, in the stories told and retold, and in the ordinary moments that somehow felt fuller simply because he was in them. As the sun sets each evening on the West Arm of Lake Nipissing, his love, guidance, and loyal support are felt in the steady rhythm of the world he so deeply cherished.
Gerry will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered by everyone lucky enough to have had him in their corner.