When I moved to Halifax in 2003 I met Gerry again at a public meeting at the Gottingen Street library. I knew that fellow, but the wheelchair was unfamiliar. Turns out he was there as an advocate for access, and the wheelchair was the evidence of a health difficulty,
We shared many common interests - the outdoors, birding, canoeing, Willie Krauch Eels -- but a strong sense of equal treatment was the clincher. We pursued a mixed bag of issues - lack of job opportunities, education, regulations - Gerry was a master of Public Relations with his articulate and polished presentation. And he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer
When the province introduced the ill-fated Bill 59 (AKA the Accessibility Act) Gerry joined many others in testifying to the Law Amendments Committee about the bill's inadequacies.
At the same time Gerry joined the citizen's committee which worked through the purpose of Bill 59, developed a website and coordinated the many recommendations.
When the bill was passed and the Directorate was formed, the first item of business was to appoint a director. With his fine mind, leadership experience and optimistic outlook, Gerry was a natural.
His uncanny focus on 'low hanging fruit' led to many successes. At the same time, Gerry persevered in implementing the details of the Act.
On retirement he continued his advocacy, serving on provincial boards and collecting richly deserved awards. When he became ill, his family came quickly to his aid - daughters Veronica and Eleanor provided love and support in a trying time. They have composed a wonderful tribute (the outpouring of comments is amazing) :
So we bid farewell to Gerry, friend, mentor, advocate, a life well-lived..
