Christopher Burton (Friend)

Entered November 16, 2020 from Clarksburg, ON

I so wish I could be there with you tomorrow, but you’re in my thoughts. I look forward to celebrating Jerry’s life with you at a later date. Much love to you all.
Chris

Bonnie Wallace (friend)

Entered November 16, 2020 from Toronto

Jerry fought the hard fight and lived as long as he did thanks to the love and undying care he received from Louise and Marianne and her family!
I am so happy to have known him!
May he rest in peace !
sincerely,
Bonnie

Carol Redstone (Friend)

Entered November 16, 2020 from Toronto

There are no words that I can say that could ease your pain, but please know that you have a friend in me. I will miss Jerry so much. What an honor to have known him. May God bless him and his journey to his eternal home.

Lisa Moser (Niece)

Entered November 16, 2020 from Grimsby

Sending our love and big hugs to you both during this difficult time. Cherish the memories. All our love, Lisa, Jake, Taya and Bas. Xoxo

Elena Shalabi and family (Friend of Marianne.)

Entered November 16, 2020 from 121 Avondale Ave Toronto,Ontario M2n2v1

Our deepest Condolences from the Shalabi family!

Born in Montreal on July 1, 1933 to John Zin and Bernice Buski, Jerry lived there for the early part of his life. He was an alter boy and loved singing along with the Catholic Mass. When he was 8 years old, a friend gave him an oversized pair of skates that he ended up stuffing with newspaper to fit and his love of skating which would lead to his passion for hockey was born. When he was 11 the family moved to Smithville, Ontario where they lived on a farm. He would help with chores such as plowing the fields with the two horses who he fondly spoke of : Charlie and Nellie. He would also milk the cows and took care of the pigs. His mother affectionately called him "slawko"

During this time Jerry also played hockey on the farm league with Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, the Cullen brother and Tim Horton. His dream was to play hockey professionally but didn't have the means to. He was approached by the Cardinals to try out for baseball but in those days you had to have money to get yourself to Florida and his family couldn't afford.

At the age of 16, he moved to Toronto and worked at Canada Post for over 3 years.
He started a hockey team in Regent Park and both coached and played. They called themselves the Regent Park Flyers. They ran the team for over 4 years.

When He was 23 he met the love of his life Louise Shura at a dance hall on Bathurst Hall, she was 19. He would often go dancing with her and her sister Irene. When Louise was 20 they became engaged and married soon after. Jerry then trained with Louises uncle and became a journeyman in refrigeration and air conditioning. He was a very hard working person doing many of the restaurants downtown including the Mirvish buildings.

In 1970 they welcomed their daughter Marianne. They shared a love for music and he inspired her as a professional singer to start an opera company which he often bragged about. She went on to have two grandchildren Katrina and Adam. Jerry was always a hands-on grandfather who loved being an active part of raising them both.

Jerry lived his life with integrity often putting others first. He always offered help to those around him and expected little for himself. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.