Mr. Jerry Dean Hennessey

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Mr. Jerry Dean Hennessey, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      Jerry was born on January 14, 1961 at Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Raised in Edmonton, Alberta, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Jerry was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Jerry was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Jerry was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Jerry also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Jerry was raised with two siblings. He had one older sister Barb, and one younger brother Grant. Jerry was constantly involved in activities with his family. Jerry and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Jerry was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Jerry was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Jerry was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Jerry took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in hockey,soccer and baseball. He was a boy scout. In his spare time he liked drawing,watching cartoons and bike riding. Jerry's memorable achievements included class citizenship award in grade four.

      Jerry enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Jerry was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Jerry was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Queen Elizabeth in 1980. Jerry enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was art and gym class.

      Most folks would say that Jerry was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Jerry was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Jerry best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Jerry kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ben Puff, Greg Aitkens, Blair Kurillo, Herbie Lutz. Later in life, his buddies included Johnny Pohynayko, Aubrey Pohynayko, Mario Dilullo, Dale Piche,Tom Buhler, Dwayne klatt, Mick Delauw, Willlie Ahlsten and his brother inlaws Jim Coxworth, Stephen Shaw, Ken Rudko, Barry Williams, Peter Willette, Kevin Bain and Ed Morin.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Jerry. On Saturday July 4th 1987 Jerry married Marilyn Theresa Martin at St John Bosco Church of Edmonton, Alberta. He was totally committed to Marilyn and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Jerry naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Jerry disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Jerry was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Jerry was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Jerry was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Jerry was blessed with two children, son Jerid, daughter Danielle.

      If you gave Jerry a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Jerry was always on task. Without hesitation, Jerry could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. This last year he worked out of home as a salesman for Vantage Marketing. He was employed for 28years by Bartle and Gibson as a purchasing manager prior to joining Vantage Marketing. During that time, Jerry excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Jerry was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Jerry had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Jerry liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Jerry's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Jerry preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were video games and playing spider solitaire. Jerry was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Jerry often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. In high school, Jerry ran track and enjoyed skiing. Recreational sports included hockey, baseball, skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, quading, snowboarding. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. He loved going to watch the Edmonton Oilers hockey team and the Edmonton Eskimos football team.

      Due to his excellent organizational skills, Jerry was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. Jerry could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Jerry was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout his later years he played hockey with Harisine, played on the Rascal's baseball team, also played mens hockey with the Oil City Wings.

      Jerry was active in the community. He was practical and grounded and based his decisions on first hand experience. He was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Jerry was a member of several community groups, Coached hockey for Eagles, MSH, and Northstars and also coached baseball for MSH.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Jerry. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of St Dominic Savio Church for 14yrs.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Jerry had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Mexico, the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto and many cities in the USA.

      Jerry had Candy, part poodle and part terrier, who was his best friend for 12years. He also had a horse named Coco. Jerry was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      Jerry passed away on February 27, 2010 at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta. Died suddenly while playing hockey, of an unknown cause of death. He is survived by wife Marilyn, son Jerid, daughter Danielle and many family members who loved him dearly. Services were held at St Dominic Savio Church. Jerry was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery, Edmonton,Alta.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Jerry was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Jerry was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Jerry Hennessey was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Jerry. He will be missed.

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE

My Dad, Jerry Dean Hennessey, left us suddenly on February 27th, while playing hockey: one of his many passions.

Dad was born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 14th, 1961, his mother Ann’s second child and the beloved brother of his older sister Barb. Jerry and Barb welcomed a younger brother, Grant, to the family two years later.

Dad was a reserved, good-natured child. While he was quiet and artistic, he also enjoyed sports, particularly hockey and baseball. He loved cartoons, especially Tom and Jerry and Rocky and Bullwinkle. To make extra money, his first job was an after-school paper route, completed with the help of his dog Candy. Dad quickly grew into an easy-going, fun-loving high school student, who was described by his sister as popular, good-looking and loved by all.

Now, for the story of how my parents met – according to my mother, this was the golden era of my dad’s life. Their older sisters were the matchmakers: Auntie Yvette mentioned to Auntie Barb that she wasn’t fond of my mom’s current boyfriend and she knew my dad was a hunk with a groovy ride, so she and Auntie Barb conspired to introduce them. Little did the two aunts know that their matchmaking would lead to many wonderful years of love and happiness and a match made in heaven.

Mom and dad were married on a beautiful summer afternoon at St. John Bosco parish on July 4th, 1987. On November 11th, 1989- my dad’s little buddy Jerid was born. From that day on, the two of them were inseparable. Dad was Jerid’s idol, and as Jerid says: “He was my best friend.”

On December 21st, 1991, I arrived. From what I have been told, and from what my heart knows, I was “daddy’s little girl” – I could do no wrong, and he always made me feel like a princess.

Dad was very patient with Jerid and me. He spent hours teaching Jerid to skate at the outdoor rink. Finally, after Jerid got the hang of it, it was my turn, and back to the rink he went. After we mastered skating, it was up to the mountains to learn how to ski. Dad wanted us to experience all that we could, whether it was skating, skiing, quading, or snowmobiling. We will never forget the time dad spent supporting us throughout our many extra-curricular activities by coaching us or cheering us on. Watching us grow and discover new things was always a source of pride and happiness for him. Family bonding time was important to dad, whether it was concerts, vacations, movie nights or camping trips with our extended family – in the end, to dad, the activity was less important than the time we spent together.

My mom and dad learned to grow and complement each other’s best natures. Understanding my mom’s kind and compassionate heart, dad always supported her desire to help others. When my mom needed to be there for family or friends, for whatever reason, my dad encouraged and enabled her. When she had to be elsewhere, my dad was the rock who held our home together.

Dad enjoyed spending quality time with those around him, never missing a birthday or special occasion, whether it was for family, friends or co-workers. He took great delight in offering assistance, advice and encouragement and was willing to drop everything to help, even if it meant being late for something else.

My dad was a good man; kind – generous – patient. My dad was easy-going, hard-working and a good listener. He was curious and inquisitive and engaged with the world around him; he knew so much about everything and was always willing to share.

Dad enjoyed bonding with his cousin buddies, Johnny and Aubrey. Whether it was cheering on the Oilers and Eskimos with Aubrey or golfing with Johnny, their friendship was a priority.

Dad spent twenty-eight years working for Bartle and Gibson. He was respected for his work ethic and knowledge and considered a valuable asset to the company. In the last year, Dad decided to change career paths, and became a Partner with Brian of Vantage Marketing. This meant he could work from home and spend more time with his family.

People often asked my dad why, after over 20 years, our basement still hadn’t been finished. His two most common answers were: “I like my family close together,” and, “Experiencing life is more important than spending time finishing a basement.”

Dad’s kindness, his support and his zeal for life will forever ensure him a place in our hearts.

This in a nut shell was MY daddy.

You will be sadly missed, but always remembered.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hennessey, Jerry Dean

January, 14, 1961 – February 27, 2010

On Saturday, February 27th, 2010, Jerry Hennessey, at the age of 49, passed away suddenly while playing hockey, one of his many passions. Jerry will be remembered for his kind heart, enjoyable personality, and caring nature.

Jerry will be dearly missed by the love of his life and soul mate Marilyn, his wife of twenty-two years. He will be forever remembered and loved by his adored children; son Jerid and daughter Danielle. Sharing in their grief are his mother, Ann, sister, Barb (Jim) Coxworth, and his brother Grant (Donna) Tomashewsky. Also grieving is Marilyn`s family: Andy (Marilyn’s Father), Jeannette (Stephen), Mary (Ken), Leeanne (Barry), Joanne, Trish (Kevin), and Yvette (Ed). Uncle Jerry will be dearly missed by Chad, Janelle, Chantelle, Mike, Jennifer, Jason, Chelsea, Kylie, Jeremy, Jordan, Alyson, Shaley, Sarah, Emily, Taylor, and Matthew, and his three great nephews, Skyler, Brody, and Damon. Jerry was predeceased by his step-dad Lawrence Tomashewsky, as well as Marilyn’s Mother; Margaret Martin, and brother-in-law; Peter Willette.

We will never forget the time dad spent supporting us throughout our many extra-curricular activities by coaching us or cheering us on. Watching us grow and discover new things was a source of pride and happiness no matter what we did.

Jerry will always be remembered for his love of family and friends. His happiest moments were spent going on holidays, skiing, playing hockey, snowmobiling, quading, golfing, and he was an avid fan of the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Eskimos. The majority of Jerry`s career was with Bartle and Gibson (twenty-eight years). In the last year he made a career change to work out of the home, becoming a partner with Brian Rau, of Vantage Marketing.

We invite family, friends, and co-workers to join us in a celebration of Jerry’s life. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, March 4, at St. Dominic Savio Roman Catholic Parish, 14406-62 Street, Edmonton, at 7:00 p.m; with Father Michael Dechant officiating.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 5, 2010 at St. Dominic Savio Roman Catholic Parish, 14406-62 Street, Edmonton, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Michael Dechant officiating. The Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Stollery Children`s Hospital, or The Canadian Cancer Society.

To send condolences please visit: www.mem.com

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