On September 8, 2022, Gerald Larabie passed away at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto.
Gerald was a 4th degree black belt in Judo, who went on to teach and referee. He graduated from Seneca College with honours in recreation management and worked with special needs children and enjoyed working at the Canadian National Exhibition.

Gerry was dedicated to the love of his life, Karen Stothers, who he stood with through everything as equal partners. They celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary the day before his passing, making sure he held out to be with her one last time. Gerry was a dedicated father to his three children, Allie, Sean and Samantha, who he supported in every way and put before himself. He was at everything his children did. Gerry was blessed by the birth of his grandson, Leon Gerald Harvey, who affectionately called him Papa. The true essence of Gerry was his family, and they were his most important accomplishment.

Gerald was an avid traveler, who visited places across Canada for Judo events. Gerry also enjoyed travel to Europe, London and Asia and especially enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean. But he especially loved his travels in Spain as it was where he and Karen honeymooned. Travelling allowed Gerry to indulge in his love of photography and produced amazing images with many hanging at home. Gerald was also a big music love and made music an integral part of his life and the life of his family. He was a talented guitarist who played for friends and family. Gerry loved classic rock and he amassed a vast collection of records, his favourite being David Bowie

To Gerry, family and friends were most important. There are some newer friends and some who have known him for 40 or more years, but it didn’t matter how long they had known him, he always found them important. Gerry’s warm nature, laughter, kindness and open door and bar, will most surely be missed by all who had the grace of calling him their friend.

Others mourning him are his daughters’ partners Brooks Harvey and Mason Burrell, his sisters-in-law Wendy Garbin and Debbie Stothers, his brother-in -law Gabriel Garbin, nephew Troy and wife Marillia and their children Kylie and TJ. Gerry will be so missed by his beloved dog River and cat Knight, as they quietly wait for his return home.

Gerry is now at peace, after many years of living bravely with Muscular Dystrophy and can now be reunited with his parents Elizabeth and Bernard, his pets Mika, Rowling, JC and Nicol, and enjoy a beer and the game with his father-in-law Frank.
Gerald will be forever missed, forever loved and forever cherished. His good nature, quick wit and humor, his steadfast love, were the foundation that created his family and that will forever keep them together. Gerry has left his family with more then he ever thought that he gave, and they hope he knows that.

“In the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make” – Lennon and McCartney

Flowers or donations to Muscular Dystrophy Canada are welcome.
If you would like to join via ZOOM, please contact Karen or Sam.