Gérard David CONNOLLY

GERARD DAVID CONNOLLY 1921 2007 The Connolly family were among the first pioneers settling in Victoria County, in Ontario, coming as part of the Peter Robinson Immigration from County Cork Ireland to Canada in 1825. Gerard Connolly, born in 1921 to Georgina Blackburn and John Connolly, became the first child of the sixth generation of Connollys in the Lindsay area. As the eldest of eleven children, Gerard grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and leadership, which characterized his life long ambition and concern for the welfare of others. These qualities were apparent throughout his life. Gerard began his career working at the Dominion Bank of Canada in Lindsay before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Army in 1942. While in this service, he completed a program in Military Administration at Queens University in Kingston. Upon graduation, he was assigned to W Force in the North Atlantic. It was during this assignment that Gerard met the first love of his life. Frances Hamlyn, a lively, brown eyed brunette, married Gerard in St. Johns, Newfoundland. Following his discharge, Gerard brought his special war bride, home to Lindsay. In 1947, Gerard was hired by Dominion Brake Shoe (Abex), becoming the first Canadian employee at the Lindsay plant. Thus began a new exciting, and illustrious career in international business. Over the years Gerard's responsibilities grew from Works Manager at the Lindsay Plant to a dual appointment as Director and President of Abex Industries Canada and Director and President of Abex Industrial Mexico. Gerard moved his young family to Mexico in 1966. Gerard's responsibility was to oversee the development and expansion of international sales for the next four years. This assignment provided an exciting time for his three sons and a daughter. The young children grew up experiencing the wonders of a new culture and language. Gerard's responsibilities included as well the development of international contracts and clients, which necessitated travel and conferences throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Many of these contacts around the world became close personal friends throughout the rest of his life. Although recognized as an outstanding international businessman, Gerard simultaneously cultivated opportunities to contribute to the communities in which he lived. Gerard was a Founder and Charter President of the Canada - Mexico Association and a member of the American Society. While in Mexico, Gerard also acted as an Honorary Representative for the Canadian Embassy when the Ambassador was absent from the country. Gerard was appointed to the Board of the Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay and was a Charter Member of both Victoria County Association for Community Living and the Lindsay Police Services. Gerard was a member of the Lindsay Kinsmen Club, joining in 1947. He served on the executive for many years and was Governor of District 8 during 1954-55. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree Council 1124 and a Faithful Navigator, Fourth Degree Council 884. He served as Chairman of the St. Mary's Cemetery Board in Lindsay. In addition, Gerard served as Chairman of the Victoria County Development Corporation and a Founding Member of the Lindsay Industrial Committee. He was also actively involved with the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Lindsay, serving as Finance Chairman for four terms. Gerard was appointed as a Director on the Board of Governors for the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa, serving for three terms. Gerard's international experience was a major asset to the Mint's significant export business. During his appointment, Gerard served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. He was actively involved in plans for a new coin plating plant which would be built in Winnipeg. He attended the sod turning ceremony at the site and was in attendance again at the official opening of the plant in the year 2000. He was presented with the sod turning spade at the beginning of the project and proudly displayed it, mounted on the wall in his office at his home. Gerard and Frances enjoyed 40 years plus together, providing many happy memories for their family. Frances's untimely death in 1988 resulted in a sad lonely time in Gerard's life. His children, Father David O.F.M Cap. (a Capuchin Priest), James, Paula married to David Fairman, and John Paul married to Mary Theresa Phelan, supported him through these dark days. Gerard was twice blessed when another charming and vivacious lady entered his life. Gerard and Caryle Shaughnessy were married in 1990 and Caryle's two sons, Dana Jakobsen and Lyle Jakobsen and his wife Tammy joined the expanding family. Caryle and Gerard enjoyed 17 loving years together, welcoming a growing number of grandchildren to their lives: David and Caitlin, children of John Paul and Mary Theresa; Sarah, Paul, Mark (deceased in 1996) and Peter Fairman, children of Paula and David, (sadly Paula passed away in 2005); Erik Jakobsen, son of Dana; Tia, Avery, and Niko Jakobsen children of Lyle and Tammy. Gerard wrote a biography of his life in 2006 and presented this treasured book to his family and friends at his eighty-fifth birthday party. Gerard's love of life and his strong faith were the gifts he gave to this world. His love of fun and his collection of shaggy dog stories were well known among his friends and family. A joke once learned became a kind of elixir that would be repeated and retold to all his friends. Gerard attended an NHL Senator's hockey game with Lyle on the eve of his death. He enjoyed each exciting play of the game in the same way he had enjoyed each new experience in his life. Gerard died suddenly on November 30th, 2007. He was fortunate to have had a most rewarding career, two special loves in his life and to be a loving father and grandfather. His friends will miss his warm companionship, his mischievous humor and his giving spirit. 10948631