Obituary of Gerald James Austin

Gerald James Austin, of Thorndale, ON, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2020 at St. Marys Memorial Hospital. He was in his 84th year.Gerald (“Gerry” as he was warmly referred) continues his journey alongside his beloved wife Sylvia of 44 years (predeceased Oct. 2018). Also predeceased by his parents William John Austin (1948) and Annie Kinney Autin (McMillan) (1985), siblings Edith Hilbert (1986), Betty Watson (2016) and John Donald Austin (2017). Survived by several nieces, nephews and in-laws.Gerry started out his early accounting career at Supertest Petroleum in London, ON, He later went onto long time London manufacturer Wolverine Tube in ’74, where he became their accounting supervisor, eventually retiring in March of 2002. Even after his retirement, he continued to visit the plant to catch up on old colleagues and attending retiree send-offs. He was an avid golfer and sports fanatic, often spending his leisure evenings watching his favourite teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs (his one and only fault). At their rural property, outside of Thorndale, Gerry and Sylvia transformed what was once a vacated schoolhouse into an amazing floral paradise where they invited family and friends over to share. It was through these interactions where they gained lasting friendships with people such as Libby McMillan (a best friend with whom he worked), the Albroughs, the Thompsons and neighbours, the Hudsons, the Horners, and so many others to name. Even family and many nieces/nephews considered Gerry more of a friend than an uncle or brother-in-law. Gerry and Sylvia are two of the most rarest and amazing souls to walk this earth. They will truly be missed but never forgotten.A heartfelt thank-you to all the hospital staff, nurses, and community care professionals who provided care and support through these trying times. Thank-you to Dr. Travail, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Gilmour.At Gerry’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family memorial will take place on a later date at Culver-Collver Cemetery, Waterford, ON, Norfolk County. We ask that donations, in his memory, go to Diabetes Canada, Salvation Army, or local food bank.Not - How did he die? But - How did he live? Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give? These are the things that measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart? And - How did he play his God-given part? Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer? To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed? But - Had he befriended those really in need? Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say? But - How many were sorry when he passed away?These are the things that measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth.