Jerry was born Reginald Gerald on October 17, 1935, to Reginald and Irene (Molly) Martin in Fort Frances. Jerry’s older brother, Bobby, was born as a “blue baby”; and as a result, Jerry was his legs and carried him to school and everywhere he wanted to go. He was a true loving, caring and compassionate man while being strong and tough on the outside.
Jerry called himself a “professional cleaner” as he cleaned the banks with his Mother every day before school and week-ends.
Jerry was employed by Ontario Hydro for 35 years as a linesman and customer service representative. He was fortunate to retire at the age of 55 which allowed him and Diane to enjoy 26 years at their winter home in Mesa, Arizona. He made many friends there who quickly became like family. His great sense of humour followed him wherever he went. Jerry’s children and grandchildren had the opportunity to visit their beloved winter home; and he took much pride in showing them the sites, including the Grand Canyon.
Jerry loved and played all sports. He enjoyed golfing summer and winter in Mesa. He had a passion for being outdoors which included fishing, hunting and working in his garden. One of Jerry’s greatest passions was being at the hockey rink both on and off the ice as a player, coach and spectator.
He played the sport throughout his years including on a Junior team in Manitoba and with the Oldtimers’ team and then travelling with them. Jerry loved talking about the team’s trip to Japan. He was involved with the Green Furniture team playing for that team in the 1950’s; and then coaching the team from 1962 through 1983 when his son Bob played under him.
Jerry passed his love of the game onto his son, Bob, and grandchildren, Zach and our goaltender Treyden. One of Jerry’s greatest joys was being a “Grampy” and spending time with his grandchildren. He could always get the kids laughing, was always willing to be their “model” when they wanted to play hairdresser. Jerry would sing them to sleep on the countless nights spent with him and Grandma. This also included his niece and nephew.
Jerry and Diane were also long time members of the Sister Kennedy Centre, where they volunteered together for 25 years and enjoyed the socializing and morning coffee chats.
One of his recent cherished travel was an Alaskan Cruise shared with Diane and brother and sister-in-law, Al and Janette.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, brother Bob, son-in-law, Tim Perreault, his father and mother-in-law, Chet and Aileen Hanson, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
He was united in marriage to Diane Hanson on May 28, 1983. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife, and best friend, Diane. Surviving is his brother and sister-in-law, Al and Janette Martin, and his daughters Kim Perreault (Allan) and Tanya Martin Koukos, and son Bob. Grandchildren are Nathan (Leah) DeGagne, Sara (Joel) DeGagne, Zachary Martin, Pelayia and Alexia Koukos and great-grandchildren Treyden and Sophie Calder, and Sirus DeGagne. Jerry also leaves to mourn his very special niece and nephew, Kelly (Chris) Granrud and Derek Nelson who were able to spend much time with him.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. He had a wonderful sense of humour and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a never ending love for his family, relatives, and friends. He will be greatly missed for his everlasting smile.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Thursday, May 19, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Green’s Funeral Home in Fort Frances with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Memorial Arena Auditorium.
A private family interment will be held later.
The honourary pallbearers will be R.H. “Bob “ Peters, Bill Borlase, Guy LaFrance, Orest Mihichuk, Ross Pearson, Jean Camirand, Ken Perry and Jeremy McGuire.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverside Health Care Foundation or Sister Kennedy Centre in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
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