Known as an auctioneer, entrepreneur, politician, Ward 3 councillor and motorsport enthusiast to many, Gerry Montpellier held a special place in the hearts of countless individuals.
To me, he was simply Mononcle Germ.
Allow me to share insights into the multifaceted roles of Gerry Montpellier, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
Gerry leaves behind a vast network of people who cherished him deeply. This past summer marked a milestone as he and my Aunt Denise celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Wherever Mononcle Germ went, my cousin John was never far behind. Their bond was unbreakable. My aunt and uncle's journey began in their teenage years, and with my aunt being just a year apart from my dad, Greg, Mononcle Germ and my dad naturally formed a close friendship.
With Gerry's passing, my dad lost his lifelong confidant. It was an honor to witness their friendship span nearly five decades.
Some of my most cherished memories from childhood are the evenings spent at cruise nights with my dad. Being Gerry Montpellier's niece made me feel like the coolest kid around. Gerry was known by everyone, and his infectious laughter could be heard above the roar of classic cars.
Family always came first for Gerry. I grew up just a short bike ride away from Mononcle Germ’s and Matante Denise's home, nestled along the river with its picturesque sandy beach. My brother and I would often drop by unannounced, greeted by Gerry in his garage tinkering on something. He would set aside his work, grab a cold Diet Coke, and join us down by the water. He would sit with us, ensuring we played safely near the shore without a single complaint or hesitation.
"Fearless" is a word that now comes to mind when I think of Mononcle Germ. In 2019, I purchased a Giving Key engraved with the word "Fearless" for my aunt Denise, who was battling lymphoma. She fought valiantly and emerged victorious over cancer.
Denise Montpellier exemplifies strength and resilience. As my uncle's health declined, my aunt passed on the same key necklace to him, wanting to alleviate any fear of death he may have felt. Now, with Gerry's passing, my aunt returned the key to me, encouraging me to embody fearlessness in his memory.
While many articles may remember Gerry for his formidable presence as a politician, I wanted to honour him as the cool uncle and fearless leader of car shows that he truly was.
May we all remain fearless in memory of Mononcle Germ.
Danielle Yasko
Greater Sudbury