Gerhard Jacob

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, at the age of 86, Gerhard ‘Jerry’ ‘Opalein’ Jacob left his earthly body to reach for the Heavens above. He was a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Born in Hamburg Germany on July 7th, 1933, Jerry boarded a ship and made his way to Montreal arriving the 10th of July 1954, 3days after his 21st birthday. Despite being 20 years old when he left his homeland, after all the years he lived in Montreal, he considered himself Canadian first, German second. He loved his adopted country and the life he made for himself here.

As children, Jerry and his brothers experienced some of the horrors of World War II. They and their parents miraculously survived the bombing of Hamburg where they lived and escaped to their home in Mittlerer Landweg. All three sons eventually moved to Canada and found success and love in their new lives.

Jerry was passionate about his work in the fur industry, first as an employee and later as a partner at Amsel & Amsel. In fact, he worked up until the age of 85. Although the industry changed considerably over the years, Jerry managed to reinvent himself and stay afloat as Amsel Design. A man who influenced him greatly and for whom he had tremendous respect was Moe Amsel himself, the founder of Amsel & Amsel. Perhaps, somewhere in the Universe, they will meet again.

Jerry loved to travel and he did so extensively with his wife, model and designer, Ingrid Klahn-Jacob. They worked closely together for many years at Amsel & Amsel. Ingrid and Jerry spent much of their leisure time at the cottage in Vermont, both avid sailors and worshipers of Lake Champlain.

Jerry was beyond proud of his daughters. His eyes would always fill with tears of joy when they shared accomplishments with him. He reveled in others' happiness. For a tough guy, he was quite the softy.

One of his proudest achievements was completing his memoirs ‘The Other War’ (assisted by Roger Cayer and Benny Beattie); an account of his childhood and surviving the Hamburg Firestorm, July 27, 1943.

He left a lasting impression on all the people he met. He had a quick wit, infectious laugh and a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. Most of all, he loved life.

He will be profoundly missed.

Jerry leaves behind, his wife Ingrid, his daughters Monique (Roger) and Marianne, his grandsons Fintan and Dylan, and his great-granddaughter Skyla. He also leaves behind his brothers Jürgen ‘George’ Jacob (Christa) and Claus Jacob (Michelle), his niece Nancy and nephews Stephen and Daniel (Godson) and finally, the mother of his children, Gisele Lemieux.

If you would like to share a story or some words about Jerry please email us at [email protected]

In lieu of flowers and donation, in honor of Jerry’s life, please prioritize kindness, family and awareness in yours.

Much love, the Jacob Clan.