Obituary of Gerald Thurston

THURSTON, Gerald Cecil (Jerry), born April 22, 1931 in Windsor, ON, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2017 while praying with his Pastor. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Erna (nee Saar), and their three children: Brian (Heather), Jane and John (Tracy), as well as grandchildren Leslie, Katie, Michael and Amanda and great-grandchildren Tivon, Terrel and Tehya. Jerry is also survived by his brother Ted (Dolores) of London, ON, and a large extended family of cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. After graduating high school in Leamington, ON, Jerry attended Royal Military College in Kingston, ON and Royal Roads in Victoria, BC. He served in the Canadian Military in Camp Petawawa where he met Erna. Upon leaving the military, Jerry began a long and successful career in accounting, starting with Atomic Energy Canada in Chalk River, ON. In 1963, Jerry and Erna moved to Scarborough, ON where Jerry was intent on building a career at IBM. Interim stops at Burndy Canada and General Foods while pursuing his Chartered Accountant certification (1965) continued to build his CV, resulting in employment with IBM Canada from 1966 until he retired in 1991. Jerry served his Lord through executive positions at his home church, St. Matthew (Scarborough), the Lutheran Layman's League (was Chairman of the 1972 International LLL convention in Toronto) and Lutheran Life (Fraternal Insurance). He also found time to volunteer for many organizations (including OFCP telethons, and Scarborough General Hospital for over 20 years). Jerry and Erna enjoyed cruises and traveling the world extensively. When it was time for leisure activities, Jerry chose curling, bridge, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Visitation on Friday, January 20 from 7-9 p.m. at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Agincourt. Funeral Saturday, January 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 3159 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, with viewing prior (beginning at 9:00 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart &Stroke Foundation.