We are heartbroken to announce that Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Carr passed away on November 3, 2019 at the age of 83. For over 8 years, Gerry battled the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. His health had recently deteriorated and, within a short time, Gerry passed away peacefully.
Gerry led an extraordinary life. He loved and excelled at sport, representing the U.K. as a discus athlete in the 1956 Olympic Games and the 1958 Wales Commonwealth Games. Gerry was a Professor in the University of Victoria Physical Education Department for over 30 years, during which time he published several books on various aspects of sport including gymnastics, track and field, coaching and biomechanics. He was a much-loved teacher and had an enormous positive influence on many young people.
Gerry was a talented artist. He created wonderful stained-glass lamps and windows. His acrylic paintings are full of movement and vivid with colour. He was a dedicated student of the guitar and, later, of the Spanish language. As a regular at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, and through his Spanish studies at the Monterey Centre and Goward House, Gerry made many lasting friendships. He had a wonderful sense of humour and an enormous treasure-trove of entertaining stories. Everyone greatly appreciated his kindness, creativity, wit, curiosity, discipline and courage.
He will be loving remembered by his wife of 34 years, Catherine; his niece Julie (Michael) and children Alex, Maddie and Becky; his nephew David (Linda) and children Tom and Gemma; his sister-in-law Holly (John); brothers-in-law Eric (Linda) and Ross; and Ross’ two children Candace (Enej) and Adam (Liz), as well as his many treasured friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at the University Club at the University of Victoria on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Donations in Gerry’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lindy Van Alstine
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Walt and the "gang" The “gang” at Oak Bay Rec Center gym misses Gerry as well and offers our sympathy to the family.
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Jackie Dorgan Dear Cathy – I was saddened to read of Gerry’s passing .
I so enjoyed his good company and yours years ago over breakfast muffins and coffee in the O B Village and at the O B Marina .He was so happy in your presence . His pride in your many accomplishments and appreciation of your fine character showed on his face.
I send my heartfelt condolences to you and to the rest of Gerry’s family .
Sincerely , Jackie Dorgan
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Peter Rushton Gerry was a wonderful educator, friend and mentor during University days in the 70s.
Truly a multi-talented man with a great sence of humour.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Carr family.Peter and Brenda Rushton
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Lloyd Ollila Lloyd and Kathy Ollila
So sad to say goodbye to my good friend Gerry Carr. We were good friends at the University of Victoria and continued our friendship after we retired when we had breakfast once a week for over 15 years with a group of retired faculty members. Gerry always was a good contributor to our discussions at our meeting. He had many accomplishments at a high level during his lifetime. He was an Olympic athlete, an excellent artist, and a good musician. He had high expectations for himself. He was very well read often reading novels and studying the history of South America which inspired many of his art works from those Latin American countries. I will miss our frequent chats. He loved his family deeply. My sincerest condolence to his family. Memories of Gerry will be with us always. I was lucky to have him as a good friend.
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Bob Jasperse Dear Catherine,
Although I never met Gerry, I often remember you speaking fondly of him when we chatted. I hope that the memories of your good times together will help you through your grief. Look after yourself.
Bob Jasperse
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Enid and John Jackson We are very sad to hear the news, Cathy, and offer you our deepest sympathy. I first met Gerry in 1959 and have the happiest memories of him as a friend and colleague.
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Carol Connolly So sorry to learn of Gerry’s passing. As difficult as this time is, may you find comfort in knowing that your loved one will always be with you, and the memories you shared will forever be part of your life. My sincere condolences,
Carol
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Shaun and Susan Lees Gerry was much more than a teacher to his many students. For some he became a friend, a mentor, a role-model and formed relationships that lasted a lifetime. In the decades after we left the classroom (and the home where amidst the chaos we observed Gerry with his head down relentlessly clacking on the keys of an old typewriter as he completed his PhD thesis) in the mid 70’s, we were continuously awed by his lifelong, tenacious attention to learning. Gerry was a master of the elusive quest for perfection, whether it was sculpting a perfect body (he was known as ‘the Greek God’), writing a thesis, playing classical guitar, creating beautiful stained glass art, studying a language or painting. It was a privilege to have spent many hours in the gym together over the years and to have him mentor some of us in the art of speaking Spanish. We are also so grateful that he finally consented to play his guitar so beautifully in Queenswood Chapel at our wedding. After protesting strongly that he ‘wasn’t good enough’, the music he created was exquisitely perfect and even Andres Segovia would have agreed! We are so grateful that he had you to share his gifts with over the past 34 years Cathy. He was a man of great strength but you have been his rock. May he live on in your memories as he does in ours and may those memories bring you a sense of solace, peace and joy.
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Rey and Sarah Carr It will take me awhile to accept that my friend, teacher, tenant, breakfast partner and exercise mentor has died. I still look over at the entrance to the Oak Bay Rec Centre gym expecting him to be the next person to come in. I met Gerry 57 years ago when we were both students at UCLA. We were both involved in sports and shared campus jobs. After UCLA we lost contact, but a few years later we both found ourselves at UVic and rekindled our friendship. The precision and focus he brought to his painting, Spanish essays, stained glass work, and guitar playing he also brought to his exercise routine. I will deeply miss the breakfasts and tea times we shared for many years. Our condolences to Cathy and family and friends; he will be missed by many.
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David Docherty We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry. He was a great friend and colleague for over 50 years. He was quiet but incredibly accomplished and in many ways the quintessential Renaissance man with his love of the arts, languages, and passion for science (biomechanics). He was a much loved teacher and spent hours finding ways to make the content of his classes interesting and meaningful to his students. He battled Parkinson’s for over 8 years with the same courage and effort that he committed to anything else he undertook. Our condolences to Cathy and the rest of his family and friends. I am sure at this difficult time they will find some comfort in a life well-lived and the many people Gerry touched along the way.
Dave and Angie Docherty
Dear Cathy,
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing.
I have such special memories being in your wonderful company and seeing the love & laughter you shared together.
Thinking of you & your family with much love…
Lindy Van Alstine