Gerald "Jerry" Klimchuk

Our family sadly announces the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Klimchuk on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 77 years young. Jerry was born May 4, 1943, in Yorkton, Sk, only son of parents Metro and Stella Klimchuk and brother to Eleanor.

 He spent his first five years on the family farm in the Hamton district and in 1948 the family moved to Yorkton where he grew up. He attended Victoria Elementary School and completed his high school education at YCI (Yorkton Collegiate Institute) in 1961. He often spoke of the friends he made during his school years, and shared stories of his many “adventures” with them. After high school he worked for a highline construction company, attended Mount Royal University in Calgary, and worked for the Department of Highways as a surveyor and draftsman.

It was in 1965 while surveying in the Porcupine Plain area that Jerry met his future wife, Joanne Martyn, and on August 12, 1967 they were married in the United Church in Porcupine Plain.   Jerry and Joanne were blessed with three children. Sons, Dean born in 1968, and Kade, born in 1970.  Their daughter Kara was born in 1975.

In 1969 they “homesteaded” on Jerry’s parents’ farm northeast of Hamton. They lived for the first few years in a two room log house without running water or a telephone, and wood burning stoves for heat. Jerry continued to work for the Department of Highways along with helping his father farm.  In 1976 he decided to leave surveying and pursue farming full time.

He raised Hereford cattle as well as farmed, maintaining a herd until 1985. He actively farmed until 2016. After renting out the land for several years, he and Joanne sold the house and home quarter, and moved to Regina in 2018 where he resided until his passing in 2020.   

Jerry was active in the community, coaching minor hockey in Canora for many years, and serving as a school board trustee for the Canora School Division from 1986 to 1993.

Jerry was involved in some form of sport or activity his entire life. He played and taught tennis, participating in many tournaments including the first Saskatchewan Summer games in 1972.  Hockey was a favourite sport, both as a fan and a player.  He played senior men’s hockey for the infamous Canora Colts from 1978 to 2008. The practices and games were not just a weekly highlight but the source of some of his closest, lifelong friends. In 2018 the team retired his number, #8, and jersey.  When he could no longer play hockey due to health reasons he took up swimming, faithfully driving from the farm to Yorkton several times a week until his move to Regina.

He was sportive in nature, challenging one to a foot race, game of pool, cards, or chess. With a grin, he would often say before beginning: “I saw this on TV once”.  That jesting quality also came in the form of spontaneous trivia questions on some obscure bit of knowledge on any topic, or the annual wake-up call at 4 am to wish you a happy “Longest Day of the Year”.  

Chess had a special meaning to him. It was something his father had taught him, and was a pastime they shared. He took the time to teach his children and each of his grandchildren to play. They loved to challenge him once they learned the game.

Jerry loved his children and their families, and was very proud of their accomplishments. Their love and support was deeply appreciated.

His grandchildren were his shining stars. Their time spent at the farm was never boring, from motorcycle rides and learning to drive (sometimes over the occasional swath), to the traditional fireworks displays at family gatherings . There were many pick up games of football or baseball on the raindrop, and golfing in the “Hamton Invitational” golf tournament on his makeshift course around the farm.  There was even the “Klimchuk Olympic Games”, complete with medals made from flattened loonies. 

Living in a community for over fifty years cultivated a close circle of friends.  Many good times were shared at the rink, on road trips, BBQs, and countless family occasions.

There were things in Jerry’s life that provided great satisfaction and a sense of freedom, which was important to him. Things like riding his motorcycle, reading a good book, listening to music, and engaging in conversation. He loved nature and enjoyed going for long walks.

Jerry leaves his memories with his wife Joanne, son Dean (Michelle) of Regina and their children Sarah and Matt, son Kade (Michelle) of Calgary and their children Morgan and Jayme, daughter Kara (Chris) Boulanger, of Denver Colorado, and their children Lucy and Will.  His Aunt Florence (Ed) Kryski of Regina, nephews Brad (Connie) Anaka, Todd Anaka of Edmonton AB,  niece Jana (Rod) Steciuk of Canora, numerous cousins, and a multitude of lifelong friends.   Jerry was predeceased by his parents Metro and Stella Klimchuk of Yorkton, Sister and Brother in Law Eleanor (Allan) Anaka of Norquay; Father and Mother in Law John and Anna Martyn of Porcupine Plain, and Sister in Law Deanna Martyn of Porcupine Plain.

Our family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. Your words of comfort, flowers, thoughts, and prayers, (and food) is immensely appreciated. 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible caregivers at the Pioneer Village Nursing home in Regina. The staff on Jerry’s floor gave him the care that a family can only hope for for their loved one. Their professionalism, dedication and sincerity will forever be remembered.

Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy in Jerry's memory please do so for a charity or an organization of your choice.  A private gathering to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on November 3, 2020  at the Pioneer Community Cemetery in the Hamton district near his family farm. 

Although our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend is no longer with us he will always be in our hearts.

Fond memories forever, and May the 4th be with you!