Greater Sudbury says goodbye to city councillor Gerry Montpellier
Family and friends of Germain “Gerry” Montpellier along with members of the community he served gathered on Saturday to say goodbye, one last time at Paroisse St. Joseph in Chelmsford.
Greater Sudbury firefighters escorting Gerry Montpellier’s wife, Denise, and son, John, as they entered Paroisse St. Joseph in Chelmsford for Gerry's funeral. (Supplied/Ward 7 Coun. Natalie Labbee)Fire trucks lead the procession on Feb. 24 with Greater Sudbury firefighters escorting Montpellier’s wife, Denise, and son, John, as they entered the church.
Montpellier died at Health Sciences North on Feb. 21 at the age of 69.
Montpellier served on Greater Sudbury’s city council since 2014 and was often referred to as a pillar of his community. Locals who attended the service said he will be remembered for his advocacy for the Ward 3 community.
Montpellier’s nephew and godson, Patrick Yasko, delivered his eulogy to the hundreds in attendance at the church. He described Montpellier as not only his godfather but a godfather to many car shows in the region and beyond – calling him a funny and caring man.
Bishop Robert Bourgon delivered Montpellier’s sermon and called “Gerry” a lifelong friend and a man of faith.
The front of the memorial cards for the late Greater Sudbury Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier. (Supplied)The councillor’s obituary described Montpellier as an “entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, proud councillor of Ward 3, loving husband and father.”
“His passion for motorsports began at a young age when watching his uncles race their snowmobiles. Heavily involved in car shows and numerous motorsports, Gerry led a fulfilling career as a classic car and motorcycle appraiser, marine surveyor and custom painter,” reads the obituary.
“While volunteering his time as auctioneer to many community groups and charities, he also devoted his time on city council, acting as a strong voice for the community.”
Montpellier’s family said he had been contending with health issues in recent months. The councillor had surprised many locals by attending the Jan. 16 city council meeting virtually from his hospital bed after attending meetings in person in council chambers at the height of the pandemic and speaking out against the council chambers being closed.
Mayor Paul Lefebvre and city council have invited all residents of Greater Sudbury to sign a book of condolences for the family of the late Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier.
“We will never forget Councillor Montpellier’s steadfast genuine commitment to our community,” said Mayor Lefebvre, in a news release.
“He touched the lives of so many, and I encourage residents to share their condolences and memories with his family and friends, to bring them some comfort in their time of loss.”
Residents can sign the book of condolences between Feb. 28 and March 22 at 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
An online book of condolences is also available here for those who wish to send messages or submit photos.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
This has been a difficult month for Greater Sudbury city council as Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini was located deceased on Feb. 13 after being reported missing by his family at the end of January.
Flowers placed on the Ward 3 seat in Greater Sudbury Council Chambers on Feb. 21, 2024. (Supplied/Paul Lefebvre)“It is heartbreaking and unfathomable that we should find ourselves mourning Gerry even as we continue to grieve the late Councillor Michael Vagnini,” said Lefebvre in a social media post on the day of Montpellier’s passing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian former Olympic snowboarder wanted in Ontario double homicide: DOJ
A Canadian former Olympic snowboarder who is suspected of being the leader of a transnational drug trafficking group that operated in four countries is wanted for allegedly orchestrating the murder of an 'innocent' couple in Ontario in 2023, authorities say.
Ontario school board trustees under fire for $100K religious art purchase on Italy trip
Trustees with an Ontario school board are responding to criticism over a $45,000 trip to Italy, where they purchased more than $100,000 worth of religious statues.
A photographer snorkeled for hours to take this picture
Shane Gross, a Canadian marine conservation photojournalist, has won the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Tobacco giants would pay out $32.5 billion to provinces, smokers in proposed deal
Three tobacco giants are proposing to pay close to $25 billion to provinces and territories and more than $4 billion to some 100,000 Quebec smokers and their loved ones as part of a corporate restructuring process triggered by a long-running legal battle.
More Trudeau cabinet ministers not running for re-election, sources say shuffle expected soon
Federal cabinet ministers Filomena Tassi, Carla Qualtrough and Dan Vandal announced Thursday they will not run for re-election. Senior government sources tell CTV News at least one other, Marie-Claude Bibeau, doesn't plan to run again, setting the stage for Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet in the coming weeks.
Robert Pickton's handwritten book seized after his death in hopes of uncovering new evidence
A handwritten book was seized from B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton's prison cell following his death earlier this year, raising hopes of uncovering new evidence in a series of unprosecuted murders.
Former members of One Direction say they're 'completely devastated' by Liam Payne's death
The former members of English boy band One Direction reacted publicly to the sudden death of their bandmate, Liam Payne, for the first time on Thursday, saying in a joint statement that they're 'completely devastated.'
Israel says it has killed top Hamas leader Yayha Sinwar in Gaza
Israeli forces in Gaza killed top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year's attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel's most wanted man.
Indian government employee charged in foiled murder-for-hire plot in New York City
The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges Thursday against an Indian government employee in connection with a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader living in New York City.