In loving memory of Gerry LaHay
The world lost a wonderful person this morning.
Gerald LaHay was a dad, a friend, an advocate, and a wonderfully kind and funny human being.
Gerry had a long and successful career in food services, working in a number of senior roles in prominent establishments across our area. Health issues derailed his career. He struggled in the later years of his life, losing both legs to diabetic infection, and also surviving a suicide attempt.
Gerry took an experience that would have shattered many, and built it into impact and positivity. He spoke truth to power in terms of our society's need to be kind to each other, and to support those who are living with both obvious disabilities and invisible struggles. He empowered his pain and struggle into hope and encouragement for others.
Gerry was happy to connect and chat with just about anyone, and full of life and stories. He shared many of them through his popular blog , and multiple self published books.
Despite living on ODSP, Gerry showed us all that it took was an internet connection, a kind heart, and the confidence and humility to share and be vulnerable in order to impact real and measurable change.
Gerry was a dad and immensely proud of his kids, Phil and Sarah. He loved his family, friends and city immensely. If you were to poll any of his friends and followers, they all said the same thing. Wise. Witty. Kind. Caring. Human. Brilliant. Insightful. Honest. One of the best ones.
Sadly, Gerry passed away this morning after a brief, sudden, and devastating illness.
As his friends, we would like to do something for both his family and for his legacy that he leaves after 53 brief years on our planet. We are taking up an online collection in his memory through this site, and going to distribute the proceeds as follows:
40% to his son Phil and 40% to his daughter Sarah, to assist with upcoming expenses and show the love to them on Gerry's behalf in return for the love that he shared with us all.
20% to the Amputee Rehabilitation Program at St Josephs Healthcare in Gerry's name, a program which meant the world to him as a double amputee and one that he was actively involved with both as a patient and as a supporter and mentor to other patients who were new and struggling.
The funds will be received and distributed by Cora Waschkowsi and Steven Holland .
Cora is the owner of the London Courthouse Little Red Roaster, and Steven is an Ontario Works Caseworker and former President of Local 101, the union for many City Hall employees.
Steve and Cora were close friends of Gerry, and two community members of utmost integrity and honour, and are highly trustworthy to complete these legacy gifts on Gerry's behalf from all of his friends and supporters.
Steve and Cora also have direct contact information for Gerry's kids, and will be able to connect with them when and as needed.
Thank you for your part in honouring Gerry's memory.
(For those who don't recognize my name, I am the founder and president of Dad Club London , and we have successfully received and donated over $138,000 to charities and individuals in need as volunteers over the past seven years - I say this only because this is being spread rapidly to people who knew and supported and followed Gerry, and as his friends we want to be fully transparent on how safe supporting this gofundme is)
