Jerry James Michael O’Hearn
April 22, 1973-October 23, 2023
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jerry on Monday October 23rd at the young age of 50. He heroically fought melanoma skin cancer and will be missed dearly. Jerry was born in Scarborough, Ontario, lived his early life in Stouffville, and much of his life in Oshawa with summers and spare time in the Keene and Whitney areas. Jerry was predeceased by his father, William Gerald (Gerry) O’Hearn in 1989. He leaves behind his son, Keegan J. O’Hearn whom he raised wonderfully with mother and friend Lori Russell. He is also survived by his mother Pauline Thressa O’Hearn (nee McCarthy), sister of Robin O’Hearn, niece Tressa Sternloff and brother-in-law Jude Sternloff. He will be greatly missed by his many Uncles and Aunts, particularly Jim Loucks who was like a father to him, and many cousins far and wide who loved Jerry’s energy, fun and passion for life.
Jerry spent his early adult years following his adventurous spirit and moved West to Whistler and eventually Vancouver where he pursued the carpentry trade and custom stair building. He spent many a Sunday night dinner at his Uncle Don and Aunt Joan’s house with cousins Kelly and Kim whom he loved dearly and appreciated the free meal. Jerry eventually made his way back to Ontario and continued in carpentry. Jerry was continuously curious about this world, how it worked and the people in it. He made anyone feel at ease and could walk into a place alone and leave with ten friends.
Jerry then wanted to do something different and went back to school for Mechanical Engineering Technology where he went on to work all over BC and Alberta, with Corpro and eventually Enbridge. Jerry was very well respected in this field and will be missed by many of his work colleagues and friends.
Jerry was passionate about many things, and his primary passion was for his son. He loved his son Keegan more than life itself, his pride and joy. Jerry and Keegan spent hours practicing the game of baseball, Jerry ensured he got the best coaching with the Terriers Baseball Club, and many opportunities in the US. Keegan went on to be part of the Canadian National Team, Team Canada and most recently to the University of Michigan where he is studying Sports Management as a freshman and on the Wolverines Baseball Team. Jerry’s biggest wish would have been to sit in those stands watching his son do what he does. Now he can watch every game, and rest assured will be sitting in those stands, wearing Michigan proud and cheering on his son.
To all his friends far and wide, there are many and equally loved by Jerry. Remember the good times, the fun and most of all that you all have a place in his heart. Jerry loved the outdoors and as a kid built a fort in the woods at Camp Samac by his childhood home and was often found there as a boy. Jerry continued this passion into adulthood in the Keene and Whitney areas where he absolutely loved being on the water and in the forest, the annual hunt with the camaraderie and great company.
In lieu of flowers, please do something different – reach out to a loved one you have not connected with in a while, pay it forward to someone who may need a lift or a bit of help, get together with friends, give long hugs. That is all Jerry would have wanted.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday December 3rd at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene, Ontario. There will be a reception late afternoon, followed by an opportunity for friends and family to celebrate an amazing life and remember the impact that Jerry had on each of our lives.
Celebration of Life Details – The Parting Glass
We invite all family and friends of Jerry O’Hearn to a true celebration of a life well lived, and a spirit that will never leave us.
When: Sunday December 3rd
Location:
The Celebration of Life will be held at Elmhirst’s Resort, 1045 Settlers Line, Keene, ON – www.elmhirst.ca
Accommodation Option
This will be a true celebration, with an Irish Wake Party following the reception. There is accommodation offered at an event rate if you would like to take it all in and stay on property. Please call the resort directly at 1-855-823-8389 to book, and convey you are part of the Jerry O’Hearn Celebration.
Reception
4:00 pm
Reception with light food and drink to connect with those you have not seen recently and meet some others who you may be connected through Jerry by.
5:30 pm
“The Parting Glass” Formal Celebration of Life will begin. Please be seated by this time.
7:00 pm – The Irish Wake Party
The party will begin, just as Jerry requested. No tears allowed here unless joyful ones. For those of you who wish to depart the celebration now, we wish you well, all are welcome if you are able.
There will be live music, food and drink as you mix and mingle, share stories, and if the mood strikes get your toes tapping and dancing.
Bring your stories about Jerry to share at the event, to remember him well and celebrate the impact he had on your life. Funny stories are expected!
Midnight – the party ends at the event.
Future ways to remember and keep Jerry alive in spirit and memory will be planned.