Gerald (Gerry) Oliver Jewers

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Gerald (Gerry) Jewers. He is survived by his daughters Judy (Claude), Robin (Dave) and Leslie (Terry); six grandchildren Simon (Isabella), Christophoros (Sara), Gabriel (Laurie), Alexandra (Corey), Patrick and Ian; four great grandchildren Holden, Cooper Callie and Margot; his sister Peggy Reel (Ranjit) and nephew John (Celia) and his sister-in-law Judy Stratford (Tom) and nieces Kendall, Susan (Christopher) and Christine (Rick). He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Claire in 2019.

Gerald lived his entire life in Winnipeg attending Riverview School, Lord Roberts School and Kelvin High School. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (LLB 1955 and LLM 1957) and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1956. Gerald specialized in civil litigation, was a managing partner of Fillmore Riley, and appeared as counsel in all levels of court in Manitoba and in the Supreme Court of Canada. He was active in the affairs of the Manitoba Bar Association serving as president in 1975. That same year he was appointed a Queen’s Counsel. In 1978 he was appointed to the County Court of Winnipeg and upon restructuring of the court levels in 1984, he became a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench.

While sitting as a judge, Gerald chaired an enquiry into the role of private operators in Manitoba lotteries, which culminated in legislation establishing the government-operated Manitoba Lotteries Commission. He was a commissioner on the Manitoba Law Reform Commission and participated in formulating many proposals for law reform in the provincial sphere. He retired from the bench in 2007 and soon after resumed the practice of law, volunteering at the Legal Help Centre and acting as a commercial arbitrator. He reluctantly gave up his license to practice law at the age of 92. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing – one fingered typing - producing various articles and two books: Manitoba Justice: A History of Manitoba Law And Lawyers and Conducting a Civil or Family Case in Manitoba.

At the age of 22 years, Gerald married Claire Woodcock, who he said was the love of his life and the very best thing that ever happened to him. They were truly childhood sweethearts who lived within a few blocks of one another and went to all the same schools including the University of Manitoba.

The family cottage at Victoria Beach was very important to Gerald and he spent his summer holidays there for many years. It was and is a holiday haven for his family and the scene of many family gatherings and celebrations.

He was an avid skier which led to many enjoyable family ski holidays. He also loved golfing, although, in his words, “his proficiency in that endeavour could only be described as exceedingly low.” His family would disagree. To the chagrin of his daughters, he was still driving his car at 92 and riding his bike at 93.

Gerald and Claire were well travelled, something he continued in recent years, hosting several family trips with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gerald was blessed with many close and cherished friendships. Above all else, he was a much loved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather demonstrating infinite patience, generosity and a sense of humour as dry as his martinis.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Thomson "In The Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.