Our condolences to the family of Harry Gerris, a Canadian wrestler who participated in three Olympiads (Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, and Montreal 1976).
Geris also represented Canada at the Pan-American Games, the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup, winning bronze medals at all three events.
Here’s the report about Harry’s death from the Toronto Star:
Harry Geris – a three-time Olympian known as the Gentle Giant of Canadian wrestling – has died at the age of 60 in London, Ont.His body was found by a construction worker Thursday behind a high school where he was delivering wrestling mats for a tournament.
Police said foul play isn’t suspected but an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
And here’s a tribute written by Richard Anthony Piet in honor of his friend, Harry:
HARRY GERIS WRESTLING OLYMPIANMy Good Friend, my nemesis Harry Geris has passed at 60 years.
I have great memories of the many matches Harry engaged me in. When I moved to Toronto I won the Amateur under 18 heavyweight Gold because of the moves I learned from him and because he had moved on…..previous to that I had lost every Canadian final to Harry.
St. Peter has the gates wide open for your graduation and is grateful to have the best wrestling coach on his team now!
Thank you Harry – we will not forget you.
Again, our condolences to Harry’s family and friends.
PHOTO CREDIT: universitysport.ca
Harry Gerris was a kind and gentle man who will be sorely missed by those fortunate enough to have met him. He was a couragous competitor and a true gentleman.
Gord Bertie, 1972, 1976 Olympic Wrestler
He is a true gentleman indeed. He will be missed. Bye Harry and thanks for everything.
All I can say is, it was an honour to be on the A.W.O.L.S wrestling team with Mr Geris. I can still remember when I was at All Canadians and was losing my bout 7 – 0 and Mr. Geris took me to the hallway and reamed me hard. He gave me some inner power (made me cry) (lol). The second round I went out and won the match 14-7. YES, I WON. I lived to wrestle. I always looked forward to getting up at 4:00 am to wait for Mr. Geris to hit the road in the van!
Those trips were very special to me and I will never forget him. He was my role model.