Gerald passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in his 92nd year. Loving husband of Geraldine (nee Bradey) for a wonderful 68 years. Cherished father of Gail (David) Thompson of Markdale, Donna Madill-Allen and Elizabeth (Bruce) Thompson of Holland Centre.Predeceased by his son Randall Madill (survived by Melinda Croft) and his son-in-law Rick Allen. Proud grandfather to Daniel (Danielle), Michael (Melissa), Christine (Brandon), Travis (Valerie), Mark (Alyssa), Dyllan (Sierra), Kyle (Tori), Josh and Alyxandra (Tyler).Loving Poppa to Felicity, Milo, Ethan, Camdyn, Amelia, Bennett, Colson and Avery.

His large family was a source of pride for Gerald and is a testament to a life well lived. An avid fiddle player, an expert in all manner of construction and land development and the life of the party in any room he entered, he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and favourite dog, Mocha.

An icon, Gerald Madill was the oldest of 9 children, Steward (Betty), Ina (Doug), Clayton (Linda), Joyce (Roy), Mervyn (Darlene), Ruth (Wayne), Darlene (Gary) and Bonnie (Jack). His parents Ira and Jean raised their children on a farm on the Townline in Holland Township. His extended family includes many nieces and nephews.

In 1951 at age 18, Gerald went west to work on a farm, assisted by a team of Clydesdale horses. In 1953 Gerald began working with dump trucks. In 1954 it was bulldozers at Elliot Lake. In 1954 he bought the farm beside his parents for six thousand dollars. Gerald metGeraldine and they married in the spring of 1956. They lived in a trailer while working on the Welland Canal and then in a subdivision in Kitchener during the day and greased machines at night, saving what they could to start their life.In 1962 they sold the 100acre farm on the Townline and purchased 335 acres on the 9thLine where they raised their four children. Gerald and Geraldine bought and sold, severed and improved, built and renovated over 40 properties. Many hundreds of projects stand around the area today as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Gerald was an entrepreneur, starting out with his first farm and then purchased a single-axle dump truck, later a rubber-tired backhoe and progressed to a company with a dozen employees, while continuing to farm. As a lifelong learner who wasn’t afraid to try things outside of his skillset, the repairs on his equipment were completed in-house by him with the help of Geraldine, his lifelong partner, hardest worker, toughest mechanic and lightning-fast parts runner. He was always ready for a new adventure. His main passion was the construction business and at one time it was said he had dug 90 percent of the ponds in Grey County.

In 1989, Gerald’s son Randall joined the family business and older equipment was replaced with new, minimizing the after hour repairs. Madill Construction legacy carries on today. To this day family and friend around the area, credit Gerald with giving them the opportunity to learn the skills that helped them be successful in life, wherever their path may have taken them.

A lifelong musician, Gerald was an excellent fiddle player. Together with Geraldine playing the piano and sporting her excellent singing voice, the pair never missed camping especially at the Shelburne fiddle contest. A highlight of the week was “music night” at their home.He loved to play anywhere the opportunity arose, first starting with his mother and brothers and sisters, then with his wife, children and eventually grandchildren.

Gerald’s family was always very important to him.He loved and guided his four children and later did the same with his nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.He believed in working hard but also never missed a chance to enjoy life.Through the good times and the bad Gerald could always find the humour in any situation. He was a larger-than-life figure who always brought an upbeat smile to any room and left all who knew him the better for it.
Never one to focus too long on the bad, if he were alive today he would say not to mourn his death but to celebrate life. He would tell us to love our family and friends unconditionally and to hold them close, because that is what matters. Gerald would also certainly tell us not to miss the opportunity to get together for fellowship and festivities.

The family will receive friends at Fawcett Funeral Cremation Reception Ltd., Flesherton on Friday, May 31 from 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral service from Annesley United Church, Markdale on Saturday at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation – Markdale Site, would be greatly appreciated

How lucky are we to have enjoyed our time together that makes saying goodbye so hard.