HomeMy WebLinkAbout1365Article copied from the Pickering News, April 17, 1908, page 8.
Death of George Kerr
The numerous friends of Mr. George Kerr will regret to learn of his death which took place at
this home on Church street on Sunday morning, aged 79 years, 9 months and 17 days. The
deceased was a native of South Monaghan, and was born June 26th 1828. His education
was received in the public school and he also attended for several years Victoria University
at Cobourg after which he entered mercantile life, having been engaged in the hardware
business in Cornwall and Chatham. About fifty years ago he gave up that calling to enter the
employ of the Ontario Bank with which he was engaged for about 36 years. During that
time he worked in Prescott, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Whitby and Pickering, in the last two
named places acting in the capacity of manager, and when the Ontario Bank gave up
business in Pickering, the responsibility of winding up the affairs devolved upon him. When
the Pickering branch closed fourteen years ago, the Ontario Bank placed Mr. Kerr on the
retired list with a handsome pension which he received up to the time of his death. He was
also manager of the Pickering branch of the Western Bank from the time it began business
until last fall when he was compelled to retire through ill health. In business matters Mr. Kerr
was held in high esteem and his genial manner and ready wit won him a host of friends in
both business and social life. When a young man, Mr. Kerr was connected with the Militia
and saw active service. While he was never in any engagement, he was at the front and
was within hearing of the shots fired during the Fenian Raid and he was one of those who
held a medal for service during that exciting time. He was also an enthusiastic and expert
rifle shot and was the possessor of a valuable medal won in a rifle competition. He has
been a member of the masonic fraternity for over fifty years. He was a charter and honorary
member of Doric Lodge, of Pickering of which he was a Past Master, and was at the time
of his death Chaplain of the same. He was also a member of the Royal Arch Masons, in
which he held a high office. Besides his prominence in Masonic circles, he was a member
of the Independent Order of Foresters in which he held insurance. Mr. Kerr never sought
public office, bur he was for a number of years a member of the school board, a position he
resigned last Christmas owing to failing health. In politics he was a liberal and in religion a
Presbyterian, being a member of St. Andrew's church, of which he was for a number of years
a member of the board of management. Mr. Kerr was twice married. By the first
By the first marriage he had seven of a family, five sons and two daughters, of whom four sons
survive. These are George, in mercantile business, Dr. James and Fred, druggist, all of New
York City, and Albert, who has a ranch in Missouri. By the second marriage, there were nine of
a family:
John, who was drowned nearly five years ago in the Sacramento River, California, while
endeavoring to save four lady companions, two of whom he succeeded in rescuing, but losing
his own life in a vain attempt to save the other two; Jessie, who died twelve years ago; Archie,
office manager of the Noxon Manufacturing Co., of Ingersoll; Norman, fireman on the G.T.R.,
Toronto; Allan, of the Merchant's Bank, Chatham; Herbert, of the Massey-Harris Co., Toronto;
Kate, teacher in the Markham public school, and Dolly and Donald at home.
To Mrs. Kerr and the surviving members of the family, the heartfelt sympathy of the community
is extended. Mr. Kerr was a loving husband and devoted father. To his family he set a noble
example. The high respect in which hew was held was shown by the large concourse of people
who followed his remains to their last resting place in Erskine cemetery.