Hundreds of mourners turned out to say goodbye to Roger ‘Gerry’ Williams, a Long Branch musician who performed in many South Etobicoke clubs.
Some 470 people turned out to mourn the sudden death of well-known Alderwood musician Roger ‘Gerry’ Williams who performed in area clubs for many years.
Gerry passed away on February 21 in a vehicle accident while on his way home from work at Canada Post, where he worked as a letter carrier for three years.
He was 59.
Long-time partner Michelle Walker said she is heartbroken by Gerry’s death.
“Gerry was returning home from a long day of work at Canada Post,” Michelle said. “No car crash, he simply drove into a snowbank and went into heavenly sleep.”
The guitarist was well known in the community and performed in a number of South Etobicoke nightclubs. He and Michelle and their DNGOLE band played Soca, Calypso and other favourites. They had performed at What A Jerk restaurant days before his death.
Gerry was on his way home from Canada Post last February when he ran into a snowbank and passed away.
She said Gerry was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and partner and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Gerry was born and grew up in Trinidad before emigrating to Canada in 1988.
He became interested in music at an early age and was a vocalist in his parish youth group and quickly became immersed in the Toronto music scene.
He followed his big sister’s footsteps and “learned to play acoustic guitar and later the bass guitar.”
“Music was Gerry’s true passion. He was “all in” wherever music was involved,” according to his obituary. He wrote his own music, producing, performing, arranging, playing the guitar and bass.
He has left a lasting musical legacy at his parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel Caribbean Canadian Catholic Church (OLGC) where he served in the Music Ministry, as well as in parang groups, jazz bands, and steelpan groups.
“His undeniable talent and genuine spirit left a lasting impact on those with whom he interacted,” his family said.
A packed funeral service for Gerry took place on March 8 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Caribbean Canadian Catholic Church, on College Street in Toronto.