KOWALSKY, Gerald (Gerry)

A legendary fixture in Guelph’s automotive community, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the remarkable age of 104. Born on March 19, 1922, in Doon, Ontario. At 19, Gerry enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and served for four and a half years during the Second World War. Afterward, he spent ten years in construction. Gerry married Millie in 1942; she sadly passed away in 1992. In 1957, Gerry joined Kaye Ford, a Ford dealership in Kitchener, Ontario, as a salesman, later promoted to sales management, and stayed for 23 years. In 1986, he moved to Olympic Honda in Guelph and continued working there into the 2020s. Gerry spent more than a century navigating life’s roads with an unmatched passion for the open highway. For decades, he was a familiar and beloved face at Olympic Honda in Guelph, where he turned car sales into an art form. He didn’t just sell vehicles; he built relationships, shared laughs, and helped generations of local drivers find their perfect ride. A favourite, unforgettable memory was a three-month journey across Canada and the United States that fueled his lifelong love for the open road. Having outlived his peers and family, his century-long journey stands as a proud, independent testament to a life driven by passion, hard work, and the joy of friendships. His former colleagues, his family at Olympic Honda, his loyal customers, and the caregivers who supported him in his final years will keep his memory alive. Friends, former colleagues, and fellow automotive enthusiasts are invited to gather at Olympic Honda (Guelph) on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1:00pm to share stories in Gerry’s honour. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gerry’s memory to St. Mary’s General Hospital, which provided care and comfort throughout his journey.