Jeff Gidney RIP

[terrydale]

Back in 1963 I connected with Jeff Gidney and Terry France after realizing that we all shared a common passion for motorsport in general and cars in particular. Jeff and I entered the rally scene as members of CASC's St Lawrence Auto Club (St LAC) in Kingston driving my Austin Healey 3000 (yes, with 2" of ground clearance!). We entered progressively more difficult events including the Rallye Des Neiges, the Ontario Winter Rally, the 1000 Islands Rally, the Quinte Night Navex and many more with some fair degree of success. On occasion, Terry France (who was the crew chief for Peter Lochhart's infamous BMW M5 aka 'The Fridge') sat in and navigated and we all spent lots of excellent times together - spectating at Tremblant and Mosport; working the Shell 4000 checkpoint at Bancroft and its speed stage at Tremblant and much more.

Later, Jeff attended MacDonald College in Montreal and most Friday or Saturday nights, I would leave work at 5 PM to get to Montreal by 6:30 in time for Jeff and I to join the Montreal bar tour. His smile and loud and infectious laugh often got us into, and out of, a few interesting situations.

Jeff had a varied life as a serial entrepreneur including owning Canadian Tire Stores in Acton, Thompson and Winnipeg. His passion for motorsports remained an important part of his life. He had varied interests but was always focused on being an excellent father to his children - Christine and Neil.

Jeff passed away last week leaving some amazing memories. His smile and laugh will not be forgotten - he will definitely be missed.