The bells of Paroisse St. Joseph in Chelmsford rang out on Feb. 24, calling the family and friends of Germain “Gerry” Montpellier to say goodbye, one last time.
Leading the procession with their fire trucks, Greater Sudbury firefighters escorted Montpellier’s wife of 50 years, Denise, and his son, John, as they entered the church, surrounded by loved ones.
Montpellier died at Health Sciences North on Feb. 21.
A member of Greater Sudbury city council since 2014, Montpellier was a pillar of his community and will be remembered for his passionate advocacy for the Ward 3 community he loved.
To his nephew and godson, Patrick Yasko, Montpellier’s spirit could be described in three words: “heritage, tradition and family.”
In his eulogy to the hundreds who came to the funeral, Yasko spoke of him as not just his own godfather, but the godfather of car shows across the country.
He told the mourners his uncle's favourite things included Chevys, rockabilly and the movie American Graffiti. “Paradise road!” Yasko said his uncle would shout of the movie’s famous drag-race scene.
He said his uncle could always be found in his shop, and to call him funny would be a great understatement.
When he asked his uncle the best motor oil, he told the church his Mon Oncle “Germ” gave him wise words, in typical Montpellier style. “The best oil,” he said to Yasko, “is the one that’s on sale.”
Yasko said Montpellier kept his sense of humour until his last moments, and remained “brave, selfless, passionate and kind.”
The priest who offered the sermon, Bishop Robert Bourgon, was a longtime friend of Montpellier’s. He spoke of their 35 years of bonding, and Montpellier’s devout faith.
In his obituary, Montpellier is described as an “entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, proud councillor of Ward 3, loving husband and father.”
His interest in motorsports began at a young age when he watched his uncles race their snowmobiles, according to the obituary, which credits Montpellier as being heavily involved in car shows and numerous motorsports in the years that followed.
“Gerry led a fulfilling career as a classic car and motorcycle appraiser, marine surveyor and custom painter,” the obituary said.
He used his loud, baritone voice to volunteer his time as auctioneer to many community groups and charities, and his obituary notes that he “will always be remembered for his exuberant voice, larger-than-life personality, kindness and selflessness towards others. Words alone cannot express the full extent of Germain’s character.”
Montpellier had been contending with health issues in recent months, and attended the Jan. 16 city council meeting virtually from his hospital bed. Prior to that, he strived to attend as many meetings in-person as possible, even attending meetings in council chambers at the height of the pandemic, when most members were attending them virtually.
“I love my community,” Montpellier told Sudbury.com during the 2022 civic election season.
“I am a lifelong resident of Ward 3. I have always, by choice, resided in Ward 3. When my business grew to encompass most of North America, my head office always remained in Ward 3.”
Devoted to his home community, Montpellier said that he was “honoured” to raise his voice “in advocating for better resources and to forward important issues at city hall, including with the provincial and federal governments.”
The City of Greater Sudbury is hosting a book of condolences for Montpellier's family, which will be open at three locations from Feb. 28 to March 22.
The book of condolences will be available in the following locations:
- Tom Davies Square – One Stop Services (200 Brady St., Sudbury)
- Chelmsford Community Centre and Arena (215 Edward Ave., Chelmsford)
- Dowling Public Library and Citizen Service Centre (79 Main St. W., Dowling)
- Levack/Onaping Public Library (1 Hillside Ave., Onaping)
A virtual book of condolences is also available online by clicking here.
This has been a tragic month for Greater Sudbury city council. On Feb. 13, Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini was located deceased after being reported missing by his concerned family a few weeks before.
Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com.
