Gerald Stirk

STIRK, Gerald Downing, D.V.M.
Peacefully, at home, on January 24, 2013, in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Jean Anne McLeod (2012). Loved father of David (Elaine) of Caledon and John (Andrea) of East Garafraxa. Cherished grandfather of Andrew, Iain, Anne, Margaret, Jennifer, Nathan and Nicole. Predeceased by brothers, Harry (2000) and Sam (1979), Uncle Gerald will be remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families. Born in Brampton on August 3, 1921 to Jennie Ledlow and Dr. Sam Stirk, Gerry, graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1943 and joined his father in his practice on Queen Street in Brampton, Ontario. In addition to his regular clients, many others will remember Gerry as he and his associates became the official veterinarians for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in 1946, an affiliation that would last until Gerry’s retirement in 1986. Many OVC graduates started their careers with the Stirk family practice over its span of seventy-four years, and it’s growth to include Snelgrove Veterinary Services and Schomberg Veterinary Services. Gerry was a founding partner of Central Sales Ltd., Glendale Pharmacy (originally Grimshaw Pharmacy) and Brampton Veterinary Hospital and served on the inaugural Board of Governors for the University of Guelph in 1964 and 1965. He later served on the Ontario Veterinary College Advisory Board. Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, 52 Main Street South, Brampton on Sunday, January 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, January 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service to be held Tuesday, January 29 at 11 a.m.. Spring interment Boston Mills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to the Ontario Lung Association or the Salvation Army. Visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com.