Community Rallies to Honour Ian “Kerrly” Kerr With Fundraising Event That Surpasses $50,000

Ian “Kerrly” Kerr is remembered for his generosity, quick humour and unwavering support for friends, family and his community. The first Ian Kerr Memorial Fundraiser raised more than $50,000 in his honour.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Friends, family and a wide circle of admirers gathered earlier this month to honour the life and legacy of Ian “Kerrly” Kerr, a beloved Paris resident whose sudden passing earlier this year left a deep ache in the community he quietly supported for decades.

What began as a small idea to pay tribute to Kerr’s generous spirit grew into a sold-out memorial fundraiser at the Brantford Golf and Country Club, an evening of music, memories and remarkable generosity that raised more than $50,000 for the newly established Ian Kerr Fund for Youth Entrepreneurs, held at the Brant Community Foundation. 

Kerr, 62, died unexpectedly on March 16 while on a golf trip with friends in Cuba. Known affectionately as “Kerrly,” he was remembered as the man people called when they needed anything from financial advice, to building something, moving somewhere or even just some emotional support. He was a long-time business owner, mentor to young workers, host parent to international Rotary exchange students, and a generous supporter of local hospitals and service clubs. 

Beloved father to his twins Jake and Jordan, and poppa to Connor and Callum, Kerr was happiest when surround by family.

For Ian’s widow, Sherry Kerr, the creation of the fund was a way to honour not only the man she loved, but the values that shaped his life.

“For Ian’s legacy – it was about recognizing that Ian always believed in young people – always gave them a chance to learn and grow,” she said. “For many it was a stepping stone in life… the vision was to give young people support to build their own business, to build futures for themselves and their communities.” 

Sherry said the overwhelming community response reaffirmed that the idea behind the fund “was a perfect reflection of what Ian represented.” 

Long-time friend Steve Bohar, whom Kerr fondly called his “brother from another mother”, took on the role of sourcing raffle prizes and community support. Donations poured in, totalling more than $10,000 worth of prizes and helping drive the night’s fundraising success. 

The 1st Annual Kerrly Memorial Concert Fundraiser event on November 7 featured performances by local artist Steven Ryan, who donated his time, and well-known Hamilton cover band Freedom Train. Tickets sold out.

As the evening unfolded, Sherry said she felt profoundly moved.

“Truly understanding the impact Ian had on others – you go about your day-to-day life helping your neighbours and community when and where you can… to see this support was overwhelming.” She added that it reinforced how strongly the community values supporting young entrepreneurs. 

With the first memorial fundraiser behind her, Sherry says she feels proud of what the committee has built.“We are proud to have started a fund that will hopefully become a legacy,” she said. “In the years to come the name Ian Kerr won’t mean much to people, but the idea that there is an avenue to support young entrepreneurs… is how we would like to see this grow.” 

Fellow organizer and longtime friend Jamie Sass said being part of the fund’s milestone moment was deeply meaningful.

“On Friday November 14th, I was honoured to be asked by Sherry to join her to meet with the Brant Community Foundation to present the final cheque that pushed the fund over the $50,000 goal,” Sass shared.

He said the team fully intends to keep the momentum going. “The fund will continue and there are plans to host another event next year. If anyone is interested in supporting local entrepreneurs, they can do so by scanning the QR code on the attached document or by visiting the Brant Community Foundation.”

Sass added a heartfelt note of thanks to the many supporters who made the inaugural event possible. “Sherry, her family, and the organizing committee (you know who you are) would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported the event. Whether it was a generous prize donation, buying tickets to the dance, buying raffle tickets, or a direct donation to the fund, your support was very humbling, and we cannot thank you all enough.”

There are plans to hold another event next year, with the family hoping future celebrations will highlight success stories from youth who benefit from the fund.

On November 14, Sherry and Jamie Sass visited the Brant Community Foundation to present the final cheque that pushed the fund past the $50,000 milestone.

For Sherry, the night was a reminder of the quiet but profound footprint Ian left behind, one built on generosity, community, and an unwavering belief in the potential of young people.