Gary Allen Gerard

Gerard, Gary Allen:  (January 26, 1952-June 30, 2021)  Beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend.  On June 30th, 2021 Gary Allen Gerard passed away unexpectedly due to complications from an undiagnosed illness.  The second oldest of four children, Gary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Kentwood High School in 1970.  Gary went on to train as a Professional Baker at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis before returning to work alongside his family as a third generation baker at Princess Bake Shop in Grand Rapids. After its closure, Gary went on to manage various local bakeries and eventually transitioned into Bakery Product Sales with first JW Allen then Rich’s Corporation.  Gary was well known throughout the industry as an expert bread baker and endeared himself to an extensive group of colleagues.  Gary retired two years ago yet remained dedicated to offering perfectly baked bread at all occasions.

In addition to his profession, Gary was a lifelong learner and worked to earn his Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University in Business. He then went on to earn a Master of Humanities from Tiffin University. When asked if he would change careers at the attainment of these degrees his response was “absolutely not, I just found it interesting.”  

Gary was fun loving, charismatic and generous, with many identified passions.  Perhaps most associated with Gary was his guitar playing, along with a love for Blues music and Eric Clapton. Yet he was also quite dedicated to perfecting his sourdough recipe, reading dense philosophical texts, sailing on Lake Michigan, and turning his yard into an award winning garden paradise.  In his younger days, Gary was an avid runner, a passion he proudly encouraged his children to adopt as well.  He would also instill in them unwavering support for the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines, great taste in music, an appreciation of good food and wine, classic literature and perhaps most notably, terrible humor.  He left an everlasting mark on all who met him and his loss will undoubtedly leave a permanent hole in the lives of those who loved him.   

He is survived by his children, Laura (Aaron) Schreiber, Anna (Harlan) Gerard of Philadelphia, Jacob Gerard of Nashville, and his greatest joy, grandchildren Nolan, Evelyn and Maximus.  He is also survived by his sisters, Susan Ellis, Amy (Pat) Shellenbarger and Julie (John) Heater, along with numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, John and Doris Gerard, and George and Mary Stocking, his parents Allen Gerard and Barbara (Duryea) Carpenter, and his nephew, Benjamin Davidson.  

In honor of Gary’s zest for life, those who would like to meet with the family may do so at an informal visitation gathering at New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker located at 417 Bridge St., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 on Thursday, July 15th from 5pm - 8pm. 

A Memorial Service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at Wabasis Lake Park Enclosed Shelter, 11220 Springhill Dr. Greenville, MI 48838 on Friday, July 16th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre Antigua or the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.