Gerald Adam Neely

Born in Windsor, Ontario to Adam and Olive Neely, Gerry lived a long life filled with loving relationships with family and friends, tremendous accomplishments in his chosen profession and community service, a curiosity about the world around him, and the gift of a sense of humour that resonated with everyone he met. And throughout, he was a gentle man and a gentleman.

After a childhood spent in the Walkerville area of Windsor, he completed a Bachelor of Arts – Honours Economics & Political Science at the University of Western Ontario in 1951. He joined the Toronto brokerage office of A.E. Ames & Co later that year, and was then transferred to the Victoria office in 1952. A few months later, in April 1953, he met the love of his life Patricia (on a blind date) and after a brief return to Toronto, started at UBC Law in the fall of 1954. Gerry and Pat were the first “marrieds” in the class and celebrated 66 years of marriage in February this year.

Gerry was the first articling student at one of Victoria’s oldest firms Pearlman & Lindholm. Following his call to the Bar in 1958, he established a solicitor’s practice with a focus on commercial and residential real estate, and wills, estates & trusts. He became a partner in 1965, changed to associate counsel circa 1999 and retired from practice in 2005. A life in the law with one firm is rare indeed and Gerry was the epitome of one who serves others with loyalty to them and their interests.

It was his work with the British Columbia Real Estate Association and the Victoria Real Estate Board where his people and professional skills shone. In 1999, Gerry was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the British Columbia Real Estate Association in recognition of his counsel and service to the industry. In the same year, he was named as an Honorary Member of the Victoria Real Estate Board in recognition of 25 years of service as Board solicitor. In 2006, he celebrated the 25^th anniversary of Legally Speaking described as “one of the most trusted publications for real estate professionals in BC”. Gerry summarized in excess of five hundred cases in a manner that translated legal jargon into entertaining reading, turning risk avoidance into a welcome task.

He was a member and officer of the Victoria Bar Association and a member, officer and speaker for the Victoria Estate Planning Council. In 2007, the Victoria Bar Association acknowledged his lifetime accomplishments with the Contribution to the Law award.

Gerry was engaged in his community and, together with Pat, served many organizations including the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children, Downtown Victoria Business Association, Probus Club of Royal Oak and the Victoria Symphony Society.  He was a Life Member of the Union Club of British Columbia, and he and Pat were active members of the Camosun Gyro Club for over 55 years, a cherished fellowship of friends and fun that brought great joy to them.

Gerry and Pat enjoyed vacations in Hawaii and hiking in the Rockies at Lake O’Hara (long into their 80’s), several trips to Europe, and relaxing times in the Gulf Islands at the family cottage.

Family was cherished by Gerry. With their daughter Sara’s arrival, the three began a life that would be woven together over the decades with those of other family members, including many nieces and nephews, and later Sara’s husband Ken (d. 2008) and his family.

Always welcoming, Gerry and Pat loved to entertain. Gerry was interested in the lives of others and took great pleasure in hearing their stories. When the three of us traveled together and where there was any shopping involved, Gerry could be found checking out the interesting sights and the food fair. We would find him chatting with people, reading the local newspaper or happily whistling.

Gerry is dearly missed by his loving wife Patricia and their daughter Sara, his brother Stewart, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Pat and Sara extend their gratitude to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living Victoria for their exceptional care of Gerry in the last two months.

A Celebration of Gerry’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please support the Victoria Symphony Society which has brought the joy of music to our family for decades.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens

www.mccallgardens.com

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