The Olympia Sports Camp family was lessened this week with the news that long-time Olympia Coach Gerry Barker passed away on Monday October 25, 2021.  


Gerry retired from Olympia years ago, but coaches of a certain vintage remember him as a funny, gentle storyteller who promoted the game of basketball at many levels, coaching elementary, high school, and university basketball. He also ran his Gerry Barker Basketball Camps through North Toronto Basketball and was at Olympia for over a decade.



Former North Toronto player Kate Easton and now coach said it best:

 

"Thank you for teaching me everything you know about the game and helping me become even half the coach you are. You were the BEST coach, but the relationship we gained afterwards I can never, ever replace. No one will be as caring, kind and helpful of a coach as you, but I’ll try. Love you GerBear"












Gerry Barker and Kate Easton




To quote from his obituary:


As a dedicated teacher and caring Principal, Gerry had an immeasurable impact on so many. Over his 35 years as an educator, Gerry's  belief that everyone can succeed inspired countless students and colleagues. This was especially evident in his role as a coach and mentor. His tremendous impact will continue to live on through the numerous athletes and coaches he worked with, as well as the North Toronto Basketball Organization he co-founded. His jovial and infectious spirit will always be                     remembered through his family and friends. As Dad always said, "Teach gently, entertain greatly!" 

 

Some Olympia people shared some thoughts:

 

Bill Pangos, who knew Gerry through his involvement at York University and many years of Olympia week 5 remembers Gerry’s humour.

 

 “We had a joke night every year that Gerry ran, and he was such a great storyteller. Every year he’d tell the same jokes, but his delivery was so good that we’d all laugh, even when we knew the punchline that was coming.”

 

Eric Tiessen worked as a teacher with Gerry as his principal. "Gerry was an old school principal who did what was right for the students, did what was right for the school. He made school fun." 

 

Olympian Sean Loucks was a student at George S Henry Secondary School when Gerry was the VP and was a regular at noon hour pick up games.

 

“One time he called four of us into his office and told us that basketball better not be the most important thing in our lives. I find myself as a coach saying the same thing to my players. Gerry was always full of good humour and positive energy. He certainly had a knack for making everyone feel welcome.  Gerry made many lives better just for having known him – he was a huge inspiration to several generations of educators, athletes, and coaches, including myself. My deepest condolences to  the Barker family, all Gerry’s players, colleagues, and friends – big hugs and wishing you as many happy reflections and memories as possible during this time of insurmountable loss – my heart goes out to you all."


Another great person who graced the fields and courts of Olympia Sports Camp. RIP.



The link to the blog is TuesdayswithDave.blogspot.com


This blog is about the journey of the writing of the book A Hero's Journey: From Little Norway to Olympia Sports Camp. The blog will contain excerpts from the book and my personal thoughts on what the place and the people that make up Olympia's journey is all about. The title comes from the great book Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom. The blog's title is recognizing Dave Grace as Camp Director, but all content is my own.

 

  






 

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