Dan Saumure
I consider myself lucky to have been so close with my dad. I have a lifetime of memories with him, from sailing the Gusto around Lake Erie as a kid, to being chased by a pissed off muskox as an adult. We both especially loved the peace, thrill, challenge and adventure of wilderness canoeing and hunting moose. It would have been some good go pro footage if they were invented yet. You get to know someone after paddling thousands of miles with them or being stuck in a tent for days due to sleet and snow at the arctic circle on his birthday. Neither one of us expected that one haha. My dad was there through my best and worst times. I know that he loved me and he knew that I loved him. Can’t really ask for more. He will be with me on every hunt and with every paddle stroke until we are running the rapids again. I am going to miss him ❤️ Brian, I want to say thank you
Brian
We definitely had a great childhood with my Dad, filled with so many great memories and anecdotes. The days at Nickel beach, sailing, skiing and enjoying the summer. When we were kids he told us that whatever money we could save doing odd jobs he would match, and we could buy whatever we wanted. It was meant as a lesson in working and saving. Little did he know Dan and I would each save about 3K by our mid teens, meaning he had to come up with $6k; not a small sum in the mid 1980's. He kept the bargain, Dan got a convertible and I got a boat. Looking back I think he wanted us to enjoy our teenage years the way he did. He never gave me a hard time for long hair, using the Crystal Beach house as a party compound or changing my mind in university.
He was strong willed. In his 30's he had an industrial accident at Atlas that required his foot to be rebuilt. Doctors said he would likely walk with a limp. He said he wouldn't and he didn't. He also never stopped doing any of the activities he loved. In fact he took on new challenges. "You only get one kick at the can" in life. He also convinced the nurses at the hospital that his foot was injured in a shark attack; it made him a popular patient:)
He instilled a strong worth ethic in us and always believed that you could achieve whatever you put your mind to. He wanted us to live fearlessly and push ourselves in whatever path we followed. I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful for the canoe trips and hunt camps. I'm pretty sure he was prouder of me for my rifle shot than for graduating.
He spoke to us when there was something worth saying, gave us a hug when words weren't enough, and also a little smack in ass when we needed to change paths.
Dan, me, Derek and Marnie, we were all lucky to learn from and love him.
Tracy, TJ, Simon and Adriana
Gerry wasn’t just Brian’s dad — he was “Grandpapa” to our children, and that generous spirit meant so much to us. Whether he was taking them out on his boat, riding the trails around Golden Lake, or taking Simon and Hugo camping on the Big Island, he was always up for an adventure with them. He had such a kind way about him and found quiet joy in simply spending time together. We feel so lucky to have created memories with him that we will forever cherish.
Mark Brisson
If you knew Uncle Gerry, you knew a man who belonged to the outdoors. He was never happier than when he was hunting or out on the water. Whether he was out in the woods, hunting or navigating a river in his canoe, he was always at home in the wild. He had a true adventurer’s soul, but his greatest journey was the life he built with his wife—a woman with a beautiful soul who stood by him through it all. Gerry leaves behind two wonderful sons, and I couldn't be prouder to call them my cousins. They are a living testament to the man he was. Growing up, Uncle Gerry always seemed larger than life to me, especially when he’d start sharing stories about the shenanigans he and Uncle John got into as teenagers in Port. Looking back, I’m pretty sure those two helped Meme get her grey hair. Uncle Gerry, you showed us all what it means to have an adventurous soul. May the waters be calm and the woods be plenty on your next journey. You were the prime example of a life well lived, and we will miss you deeply Godspeed.
Kara Brisson-Boivin
Aunt Elida, Dan, Brian, Nancy and families, Uncle Gerry was a pillar of our family who brought a sense of adventure, light, and joy to every occasion. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly. I will always remember the time we were visiting during the summer as kids and we went swimming in the quarry and he convinced my sisters and I that there Pirañas in the water. It took us three more summers before we were brave enough to stick our toes in that water. Uncle Gerry always made you smile and always had a smile to share with others. We know you will all carrying his memory and his spirit with you and will do him proud. We are thinking of you and praying for you all. Sending our love, Kara, Ryan, Theodore, and Felix.
Brittany Brisson
When I think about great uncle Gerry I think about him taking us to swim in the quarry. Telling us brisson girls not be afraid of a little seaweed and to just get in the water. Nothing but love for the family at this difficult time. I remember him with the same smile as my Grandma. Seeing the pictures was a lovely reminder. Now we will all carry that smile on for them.
Francine Saumure
.My deepest sympathies to the entire family. My dearest cousin, I am so grateful to have chatted with you for our 80th birthdays last summer. That memory, along with all the moments we shared, will remain etched in my heart forever. Rest in peace. Love 🌺💐❤️❤️❤️❤️💐🌺
Tante Lyse
Le meilleur des grand papa...the best grand dad . husband ..father... My mémoires are at the cottage...and his boat...best rides with the grand kids...lol On vas te manquer Gerry!! Mais on vas prendre soin des tiens!!! You will be missed greatly ..but you will be with us always ... Xxoo
Geoffery Grenfell
Gerry fit in with the gang immediately at the Snow Road deer camp. My best memory from the camp was, he came running up to where I was sitting, all excited, shouting " I shot the sherriff.." I need help. That deer now hangs on the wall at his son's Dannys' house. I also remember all the stories he shared with me about ALL his moose hunts with both his Sons. He will forever be in my heart. I will miss him, think of him often, and remember our great times we had . There is 51 years of history we have had together. RIP. MY FRIEND
God Bless You.
Aaron Maloney
I will always remember and cherish the adventures I was lucky enough to share with Gerry (Mr. Saumure), Brian, and Dan. Our canoe trip on the Missinaibi is forever etched in my mind — a true once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. The ten‑hour car ride, the hundred‑kilometre paddle… I can still picture it all as if it happened yesterday. I also know I only got to be part of that journey because Gerry was willing to take responsibility for a 13‑year‑old kid who had barely even been in a canoe. His stern looks of disapproval when I did something stupid are just as unforgettable as the moments of awe and excitement along the way. Gerry, you were a good man, and I owe you many thanks for the memories you helped give me.