Gerry Kolz
1947-2025
After the sun rose on October 19, 2025, Gerry, in the loving embrace of his family, was called home to God in his 78th year. Gerry is predeceased by his parents Alha “Olga” (née Hrysczenko) and Pawel “Paul” Kolz, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Elizabeth “Elsie” (née Jeffrey) and Paul Derochie, his brothers-in-law Paul Jr. (Janice, née Eldon - deceased) and Robert “Bob” (Patricia, née Donaldson) Derochie. He is survived by his wife Mary (née Derochie), son Greg (Ottawa), daughter Jennifer (Ottawa), nephews Christopher Derochie (Christine), John-Paul Derochie (Lisa), and nieces Brenda Vaananen (Keith), Karen Waller (Ken) and Joanne Simpson (Jamie).
Born in Liège, Belgium to Alha “Olga” Kolz and Semen “Sam” Riznyk (predeceased) refugees of Ukraine during World War II, they immigrated to Sudbury, Ontario in 1952 via the Port of Montréal. Gerry grew up in a loving home with his mother and adoptive father, Pawel “Paul” Kolz, in the Donovan.
As a young man, Gerry’s sense of adventure took him to the depths of the mines where he worked in Sudbury and below the 49th parallel to Ohio University, where he was fondly known as “Expo” (after Expo ’67) by his friends and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity brothers.
In the 1970s, Gerry returned to his stomping grounds in Sudbury where he would eventually meet his soulmate, Mary. Upon falling in love, Gerry converted to Catholicism and wed Mary in July 1975. This past July, they celebrated 50 years of marriage, friendship and love - that began in the Geography Department at Laurentian University, led them to the Faculty of Education, University of Toronto, and finally to North Bay where they established a life together.
Gerry and Mary’s love grew as did their family over the years, welcoming their son Greg and daughter Jennifer. A gentle, loving, fun and attentive father, Gerry’s world revolved around his children. From building a playroom in the crawl space of their first home - the envy of the neighbourhood kids - to chauffeuring them to every dance class, music lesson and extracurricular activity, there wasn’t a recital, play, event or competition in or out of town that he would miss cheering them on.
Known for his familiar and friendly face, generous demeanor, and gift of listening without judgement, Gerry was a model relationship builder. His humanity enabled him to put anyone at ease and his innate ability to build trust resulted in him connecting with others.
A man of principle and integrity, Gerry had a great love and devotion for helping others and the community, including training athletes and leading track and field and cross country meets, Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers and countless charitable events, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteering in his parish community, with the North Bay Santa Fund, at the Capitol Centre and at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC), including as President of the Volunteer Association and as a member of the NBRHC Foundation Board.
A lover of the arts, Gerry enjoyed musical theatre and he made frequent pilgrimages to see plays in both Toronto and Stratford. He had an affinity with comedian Robin Williams and indulged in action movies and music. With the latest in sound equipment from 8-tracks to records, CDs to Apple Music, there was rarely a day he wasn’t enjoying a tune by The Doors, Genesis or Phil Collins, the latter for which he was sometimes even mistaken for himself. Gerry was also a bit of a joker. Many could share tales of his infamous pranks and his envious sense of humour, which he maintained throughout his final days.
Gerry studied and taught Geography within the four walls of the classroom, but he had a passion for and knew the inherent value of experiencing the world firsthand. Filled with wanderlust, he was easily convinced to drive long distances and fly abroad whether with his wife or with his in-laws or the kids in tow. Journeying across Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United States and from the East to the West Coasts of Canada (and back), Gerry always had a map and a camera in hand. His love of visiting new places, immersing himself in the local culture and cuisine, and documenting the trip on film are all loves he shared with his wife and passed along to his children, both of whom have traveled to a combined 40+ countries.
Gerry’s legacy is far-reaching, from laying the plans for the campsites in Killarney Provincial Park to the many young minds and lives he shaped for almost 35 years as a teacher (from Kindergarten to grade 13) with the Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (and formerly the Nipissing District Roman Catholic Separate School Board) in North Bay, Mattawa and Sturgeon Falls. He will, however, best be remembered for his unconditional love for and dedication to his family.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Halpert and her colleagues at Northern Shores; Dr. Main at Health Sciences North - Cardiology (Sudbury); and, Dr. Green-Ward and the D3 nurses, particularly Cleo, Blessy, Hayden, Alex, Lori, Casey and Chat at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Visitation will take place at Hillside Funeral Services (North Bay) on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 7:00-9:00pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption (North Bay) on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11:00am. Entombment will take place at All Saints Mausoleum (North Bay) at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation; Diabetes Canada; Health Sciences North (Cardiac Unit); or, the North Bay Regional Health Centre are welcome. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
