Sunday, January 9, 2022
Jerry and I were Suncor QA partners in crime for many years. We often drove together to work in Extraction. Jerry was that guy at work that was connected to the heartbeat of the plant, as he was constantly monitoring its health as a rotating equipment inspector. Jerry knew everyone in the operational unit, and they all looked up to him to tell them how long they had before failure, helping the plant operate to its potential. Every operator knew this about Jerry. He was incredibly important to the successful operation of the plant, everyone knew it. Jerry looked after the rotating equipment, I looked after the pressure and process equipment. We were strong partners and supported each other every day. That working friendship Jerry and I shared turned into many things away from work including a bit of ice fishing among others. Of most importance, his skilled hands and knowledge helping me with my homes, framing together, finishing basements, drywalling, teaching me how to do baseboards, casing basement windows, insulating etc. He was an expert framer/finisher and could do everything in between and beyond. Working with Jerry was to feel as though you have so much opportunity to learn, I always looked up to Jerry for that. Was an excellent people coach and had a mile of interest and patience, if they showed interest of their own. Jerry helped us build a home, lining Bonnie and I up with his builder and supporting Bonnie and I the whole way. During the years my kids were babies to young teenager's, Jerry was an influence on them and they loved it when he came over to the house. Often times, we helped each other with things at home, replacing appliances, fixing and renovating small jobs. I learned so much from Jerry. He renovated both my basements in Fort Mac and of course the quality was superior to anything by anybody else. Gerry and Monique showed us how to properly sod our new yard and we got trees together and did gardens as well. My kids loved Jerry and still talk of him today. The checkered snap-on insulated shirts he wore were a trademark of his, and my kids still love those shirts and refer to them as Jerry Shirts. So do I. Jerry is a prince among regular fellers, I shall miss him.
