We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Gerald Ainsworth, at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully on February 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Gerald was born June 2, 1931 and grew up in the Westfort area with parents Betty and Frank and brother Bob, with whom he had a very close relationship. He attended Isabella Street Public School and Fort William Collegiate High School. From a young age, he was an active member of St. Thomas Anglican Church, where he devoted his younger years as an altar boy and sang in the choir; this dedication continued throughout his life.
Gerald met his beloved wife, Doreen, in the summer of 1951 at a Chippewa dance, and went on to spend 70 loving years together. They raised a family of three children in Thunder Bay, which later extended to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.
Gerald started his career at Great Lakes Paper, and then transitioned into his long-term position as Chief Engineer with the City of Thunder Bay, Home for the Aged. He was a devoted community member, serving as a leader on many boards within the community, where he was recognized for his contributions, receiving the good citizenship award from the city of Thunder Bay.
Throughout life, and during his retired years, he and Doreen enjoyed travelling to multiple destinations including winters in Arizona, and summers at Mirror Lake, where they had made many life-long friends. Above all else, Gerald was a devoted family man, who showed his love to all his family, supporting his grandchildren in any activities they were a part of. His passion for sports shined through as he was so proud and was the biggest the fan of all their achievements. He enjoyed spending time with all those who were near-and-dear to him, always being the life of the party.
Gerald will be best remembered for his witty sense of humour, ability to make people laugh and smile, and his overall positive demeanour. He was well known by many in the community and Doreen would often to say that there was no place they could go without someone knowing Papa.
Gerald is survived by Doreen and three children: Ronald (Nancy), Susan (Malcolm), Ken (Ardina). Loving grandfather to Holly (Dan), Robert, Jennifer (Steve), Andrea (Ryan), Erin (Ryan), Lauren, Lindsay (Trevor), Kelin,11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, nieces Lori (Don), Roberta, Maxine, Shelby, Marion and Laura. Predeceased by parents Betty and Frank, brother Bob (Joan), son-in-law Paul, and niece Cheryl.
Funeral services for Gerald Ainsworth will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022, at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 1400 Edward Street South, at 10:30 am., Rev. Jonathon Blanchard officiating. As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a record of attendance must be maintained and wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the service.
