Gerald "Gerry" Deforest

Gerald "Gerry" John DeForest (age 91) peacefully passed away with family by his side, on April 17, 2021, at Castle Peak Retirement Residence in Bracebridge. Born October 3, 1929, in Truro, Nova Scotia he was a son of the late Lew and Hazel (Northrup) DeForest. Gerald was the loving husband of Gwen DeForest (nee Samells) (2019). Beloved father of John DeForest and Suzanne DeForest (Dean Phoenix). Proud grandfather of Daniel (Kathlyn), Cody, Jason, Heather and the late Chelsea, and great-grandfather of Sadie and Luke. Dear brother of Beth Smith (Donald, late) and the late Charles DeForest (Theresa) and warmly remembered by many nieces and nephews in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Gerald moved to Ontario as a young man and spent many happy days at Sauble Beach, where he met Gwen. They lived in Toronto and raised a family, with Gerald working at Coin-a-Matic and later George Brown College. He was an accomplished woodworker and loved downhill skiing with his children and grandchildren. He was happiest at the family cottage on Wood Lake, where he enjoyed swimming and water-skiing, spending time with the Wood Lake Sailing Club, attending St. David’s Presbyterian Church in Vankoughnet, and going on many fun adventures with the Muskoka Field Naturalists.

Gerald loved, and was much loved by, all of his family. He was particularly proud of the independence shown by his grandchildren as they make their own way in life.

Gerald was a kind and generous man, who will not be forgotten. “To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die.” (Thomas Campbell, poet)

Sincere thanks from Gerald’s family to the exceptional and caring staff at Castle Peak who made both Dad and Mom part of their “family” for 3 wonderful years.

Respecting Gerald’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. He will be interred with Gwen and Chelsea, at Boyd Cemetery in Shallow Lake, ON. As your expression of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Muskoka Field Naturalists http://muskokafieldnaturalists.com/ or the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society https://www.nslps.com/ would be appreciated and can be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home.