LITTLE BAY ISLANDS, N.L. — Gary Boyd remembers the zest former colleague Jerry Weir had for the Christmas season.
They both taught at H.L. Strong Academy and as soon as staff and students hit the holiday season, Weir would leap headlong into preparations for the annual Christmas concert and any other activities.
“(Weir) loved the crafts and the holidays,” said Boyd. “Jerry loved doing it.”
Boyd and Weir taught together for 18 years at the Little Bay Islands school. When they first started there, Weir taught in the primary levels and Boyd was the elementary school teacher.
Eventually, Boyd would become the principal and the two remained close. Weir would teach 30 years in his hometown and took over the principal position from Boyd when he left.
“(Weir) was a dedicated teacher,” Boyd said of his family friend. “He kept things upbeat.”
On Nov. 24, Weir died in a tragic car accident along the highway near Robert’s Arm in central Newfoundland. The accident also claimed the lives of 67-year-old Cyril Winsor, 16-year-old Kathleen Elaine Madore and 14-year-old Kaleigh Marie Madore.
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Speaking with a family member, Weir was described as a man with a heart of gold and was always in great spirits. He was 63 years old.
The town clerk for Little Bay Islands, Weir is being remembered as a tireless community leader. Along with his work as a teacher, he was a layperson for several years with the United Church of Canada.
Faith United Church closed in the summer of 2018 but, when Weir was involved, he would conduct services for the congregation both on the island and in nearby Sheppardville.
Weir was heavily involved with the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as its president for a time and was currently on its executive in the role of past president.
“(Weir) was a great community person,” said Boyd. “He took great pride in his community.
“He would do anything for you and was very helpful.”
