Prof. Gerald R. Stephenson, passed away suddenly at Grand River Hospital on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at the age of 75. Beloved husband of Marilyn G. Stephenson for 53 years. Loving father of Dr. G. Robert Stephenson and his wife Emily; Krissy Walsh and her husband Jeff; and Dr. Andrew J. Stephenson and his wife Laila. Proud Papa/Grandpa of Nick, Ben, Zack, Jane, Aidan, Charlotte, Kate, Sophia, Allison and Grace. Fondly remembered by his many friends and extended family. Born and raised in Michigan, Gerry graduated first in his class from Benzonia High School and earned his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Gerry came to Canada in 1968, having accepted a faculty position at the University of Guelph. As a professor - and, later, professor emeritus - of Environmental Studies, he was a passionate researcher and teacher on the safety of pesticides in the environment for more than four decades. His friends and colleagues knew him as “Sir Gerry the Good.” He received numerous local and international honours for his contributions to the field, and he mentored scores of undergraduate and graduate students.

In his retirement, Gerry spent as much time as possible at their cottage in Southampton, where he and Marilyn welcomed friends and family all summer long. He was an active member of Southampton’s Tennis Club and Propeller Club, and also guided tours to Chantry Island.

Gerry was loved and admired as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, colleague, mentor, teacher, neighbour and friend. For anyone who knew him, his kind and gentle spirit will be cherished always.
Cremation has taken place.
Gerry's family will receive relatives and friends from 10-10:45 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Memorial Service in the Chapel on Friday at 11 a.m. Reception to follow. Gerry's ashes will be interred in Southampton next summer. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Gerald R. Stephenson Scholarship Fund (cheques made out to University of Guelph; Memo: Gerald Stephenson Scholarship) would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Donations may also be made online at: http://uofg.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=2187&pg=entry. Visit www.henrywalser.com for Gerry's memorial.