William (Billy) Gerrard (24 Sep 1944 - 5 Mar 2016)

In loving memory of William (Billy) Gerrard who sadly passed away on 5th March 2016

Billy was born William Gerrard on September 24th 1944. The son of Margaret and William and brother to older sister Janet and to younger sibling Anne. He was born in Long Hill in Aberdeen, Scotland and lived there until he was 11 when he moved to Corby with his family.

When he finished school he bought himself a bike and paid for it weekly so he could bike to work in Kettering every day, though he upgraded to a motorbike as soon as he could. He swiftly realised lorries and cars were his passion and started his career at Wrights Garage, but things didn’t always run smoothly and his famous pranks and misbehaviour started here. One classic example of this is where his friend called Betty to tell her he had been in an accident and was at the hospital, only to be told he did it jumping from one lorry to another...Always a joker!

He moved to York Trailers and Tarmac but then opened his own garage ‘BG Commercials’ and here he was his happiest. This was how he made his living and he was lucky enough to love it. Proof was the fact that he worked 7 days a week right up until he couldn’t carry on anymore. Also the many friends he made, rather than just customers, are a testament to his work and the man he was.

Betty and Billy moved into the family home in Weldon the night of their wedding, and his home was truly his castle, which leads to his other passion… DIY. He was a jack of all trades, and very much a master of most, able to turn his hand to nearly everything. Although finishing a task wasn’t always top of the agenda as most family members will remember….

A traditional man, he worked while Betty stayed at home to look after the family they had built. A year after they were married eldest daughter Kathy was born (although his first child was probably his Alsatian Jane – She too was one of the greatest loves of his life) His son Billy followed then Amanda, and finally Geraldine. His children too meant everything to Billy and he was proud to say he had sent three of them to university and had his son work side by side with him for 17 years. And in turn, he was idolised by each of them. So much so, that each of them would like to think they were his favourite.

He set an example of what a dad should be – Caring, patient and above all someone to confide in. None of them were ever frightened to tell him anything. Evidence of this is the numerous times one of the children would get into some kind of scrape and call him for help…regardless of fault…they knew he would help them fix it and he always did …every time. And usually he did this with a smile.

As mentioned Billy was a practical joker and his family weren’t safe from these pranks. For years his children believed that Easter Eggs came without any chocolates as he used to carefully unwrap each of theirs, removing the sweets, and then rewrap for them to find empty eggs!

Although diagnosed with Parkinson’s which affected him so much, he still showed enthusiasm for one thing…his grandchildren. These boys meant the world to him, and in later years were one of the few things that could still make him smile.

He loved his wife and family and all he wanted was a simple life with them. Though he never knew his dad, they are sure he couldn’t have been prouder of the son he had, just as his mum, wife and children were. To them it seems this tribute only scratches the surface in the smallest way because words cannot describe the incredible person he was ...he was one in a million and they miss him so much.

As a family we would like to thank all those who have donated to the Parkinson's Society, the generous donations received at the funeral and in the days since will all go to help find a cure!