MOSER, Gerald Philip

Gerry Moser, 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2018, surrounded by his caring family.

Loving husband of Audrey, his wife of sixty-six years. Cherished father of Sandra (Harvey Reid), and Roger (Mary). Gerry will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Nicole (Greg Hallman), Denise (Paul Cowie), Gerine (Chuck Carré), Marisa and Philip. Papa Gerry was also adored by his great-grandchildren: Colton, Lily, Everett and Audrey.

Gerry is survived by his brothers-and-sisters-in-law Joan and David Knorr, Gail Heideman, Ronald Heideman, and Carol Heideman. Gerry is predeceased by his parents Louis and Olive Moser, brother Colonel (Jean) Moser, and many treasured brothers-and-sisters-in-law from the Heideman family.

He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gerry was born and raised in Kitchener, and remained a life-long resident of the area. He started his career at Silverwood Dairy making ice cream, which he studied at the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph. When faced with a transfer to Hamilton, Gerry made a move to the local Pepsi Cola soft drink franchise, Kitchener Beverages Limited, so he could stay in town. After working his way through all levels of the business, Gerry became the proud owner of Kitchener Beverages in 1957. His tireless hard work and impeccable high standards led to it becoming one of PepsiCo’s most successful franchises in Canada. Gerry consistently received recognition for his efforts, winning numerous sales achievement awards, as well as continuously winning the prestigious International Quality Control award for overall product quality and cleanliness.

In addition to his busy professional life, Gerry remained very active within the community to give back to the people that helped make him successful. Wishing to promote excellence in education, Gerry served as a Trustee on the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Gerry was a long-time supporter of many local community charities, including: St. Mary’s General Hospital, St. Jerome’s University, the Congregation of the Resurrection, K-W Counselling and KidsAbility. He served as a Director for the Carmel of St. Joseph, a Trustee of the St. Jerome’s-St. Mary’s Catholic Education Foundation, and was the longest serving member of the Fourth Degree of Kitchener Knights of Columbus Council #1504. Gerry was also knighted by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Gerry – affectionately known as “the Fastest Moving Man in Town” or “Mr. Pepsi”– was full of energy, and his greatest pleasure came from spending fun times with family and friends. He enjoyed warm winters in Atlantis, Florida and summers at Paradise Lake. Over the years he spent many hours with friends on the golf course at Westmount Golf & Country Club, playing horseshoes, or watching his horses at the harness races. He was involved in the local hockey community as a Director of the Kitchener Beavers, and was one of the founding supporters of the Kitchener Rangers. He loved big band music, and watching the Lawrence Welk Show.

He was a true gentleman who lived life to the fullest. He genuinely appreciated everyone who helped him and always said thank you. Through his warm, welcoming manner, he touched many lives in a positive way. He will always be respected for his determined, hard-working, loyal, and honest character, and remain highly-regarded by the many young people who looked up to him as a role model.

Gerry’s family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday from 3-9 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener ON, 519-749-8467. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21st at St. Louis Catholic Church, 53 Allen Street, Waterloo ON.

A special thank you to Dr. Mel Cescon, and caregivers Tina, Jordan, and Julie.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to The Carmel of St. Joseph or KidsAbility would be appreciated (cards available at the funeral home).