Our dad was born in 1930 in Bonfield. “He bloomed where he was planted”. As a child, his love for the great outdoors remained throughout his life. Dad had a passion for fishing at his favorite spot at Algonquin Park up to two weeks before his passing. He also enjoyed a good game of pool at the Golden Age with friends. Dad was a great family man which all of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren loved and cherished him. Another one of his passion was his Sunday family suppers and holiday dinners. Gerald was a people person and always welcomed and invited people to his residence and made everyone feel as comfortable as they were in their own home. Our father enjoyed just sitting and relaxing while sipping on a glass of his favorite wine “Muscato” while sharing his joys of living and all his treasured memories whether good, bad or funny. In his younger days, dad loved snowmobiling, which prompted him to start a Skidoo dealership in 1968. Gerald was a well-known business man who operated Sampson Sales Skidoo in Bonfield. He worked for 58 years and put in 36 years building his business.
Dad’s secret to success was the long timeless hours he put into his business and did so until his retirement at the age of 75, when he quoted “time to take it easy”. Our dad was a man of great wisdom. He always envisioned possibilities, solutions and dreams which was admired by his children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends. He was our rock and we are all do deeply missing him. When asked about his life he wrote “I have the fullest life anyone could have, I’m very satisfied”
As per his wishes, there will be no visitation or service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bonfield Family Life Centre in memory of Gerald will be gratefully appreciated by his family. A special thanks to the nurses and staff of D3 and ICU of the North Bay Regional Health Centre for their care given to our father during his stay.