Jerry Wayne Spinarski
January 11th, 2023
It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Jerry Spinarski. He passed away at home with his loving partner at his side.
He was predeceased by his parents Wallace and Bessie Spinarski, brother Wallace Spinarski Junior, and son Brice Spinarski.
He will be sorely missed by his partner Cheryl Hanson; son Peter (Susan), daughters Jennylyn (JD), Maria (Brad), Elizabeth (Trevor), stepdaughter Karissa (Vance), daughter in law Beth; grandchildren Carson, Matt, Amy, Braden, Kobe, Connor, Wyatt, Jettah, Molly, Etta, and John.
Jerry grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota, played football, basketball, and participated in track and field. In high school he won first place in the state championship in the 440 yard dash. He received a football scholarship to Jamestown College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He spent some time working as a social worker and then went on to University of North Carolina and completed his Masters in Social Work Degree in 1968.
He spent a number of years as a social worker, and then moved to Canada, working as a counsellor in Ottawa, and then moving on to become a grain and dairy farmer near Kayville, SK. After a number of years on the farm, Jerry took a job as a district representative at the Wheat Pool. He spent about 15 years at the Wheat Pool, during which time his intelligence and skills were acknowledged by his being promoted to human resources manager. He later went on to doing consulting work in human resources and then rounded out his career as human resources manager at Kenroc.
Jerry was a life-long learner, an avid reader, and a very intellectual man. His reading was not just for pleasure, but for his quest of lifelong knowledge.
He always took care of himself, in his appearance, his mind, and his health. He was very athletic and exercised his entire life, whether it be running, lifting weights, or riding his bike through the city. He was an active member at the YMCA for almost 40 years.
He was an amazing teacher of all of the knowledge and skills he had gained in his life. He had the ability to pass on his knowledge in a way that was succinct and full of caring and heart. This made him a mentor to many, be it purposefully or not.
Jerry loved to tell a story, whether it was a story he had learned or a story of his past.
He loved conversation, spirited or not. His gift for intelligent/thought-provoking conversation went hand-in hand with his belief that change was actually possible. He was full of ideas of how things could change for the better. Jerry treated everyone with respect. He did not need a lot nor did he ask for a lot. He always gave more than he took. All of these attributes came together to make a person that would leave those he’d interacted with feeling better than before, whether it was a with a joke, some encouragement, some interesting knowledge, some great advice, or just being given some of his time and attention.
Jerry loved to tell a Dad joke, which he passed on to his children. He had a lot of really good jokes.
He had great care for his family, and that was always his main concern. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved and respected his partner Cheryl deeply, and her family was his family too.
Jerry was an amazing cook. His quest for knowledge extended to this area of his life as well, and it paid off. His abilities as a chef cannot be exaggerated. Besides reading and exercising, Jerry had many interests such as gardening, fishing, music, and building and repairing things. He was a capable person, who could build and fix most anything.
In recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with friends in a Thursday coffee group to use his conversational and debate skills.
Jerry was a man of character and a lifelong friend to many. He will be missed by those who loved him and knew him, and he leaves a lasting legacy of his positive, humorous, charismatic and encouraging presence on all of the lives he touched.
When you hear a bell ringing in the summertime, you know Dad is coming over on his bike.
He was a wonderful family man and a good friend to many. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his Life for family and friends will be held in the Summer of 2023. More information will be available when dates are finalized. His ashes will be held by his family and joined with his son and parents at a later date.
Flowers most gratefully declined. If you wish to commemorate the memory of Jerry, he would have appreciated a donation to a homeless person.
Messages:
Memory is love living forever.
It was lovely to meet Jenny’s wonderful father and to see how much he was loved and respected. Rest in peace, Jerry. Love to Jenny and the entire family. Mia and Jill.
I met Jerry at the Y and deepened our friendship when he joined our coffee group. He always presented an interesting perspective on every topic and told great stories, which were appreciated by all of us. We feel that we have lost a valuable friend and will miss him greatly.
I worked for Jerry at Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and loved going to work as we had a great team. My condolences to you Cheryl and your family.
That photo captures Jerry perfectly. I too knew Jerry from the Regina YMCA and totally enjoyed our not too frequent but totally memorable interactions. RIP Jerry and my sympathies to the family.
Sending sincere condolences to Cheryl and all of Jerry’s family and friends. I was employed at Saskatchewan Wheat Pool the same time Jerry worked in Human Resources and as well, live just down the street in the Cathedral neighbourhood. I’ll miss exchanging hellos with Jerry as he cycled down Retallack Street. Take good care all.
My sincere condolences to Jerry’s family. I got to know Jerry during our years at the Pool. An amazing man and great coworker, you couldn’t help but be one of his friends. So accomplished and so easy to talk to. May you rest in peace Jerry, you’ve earned it.
My sincere condolences to Jerry’s family on his passing. I so enjoyed our chats at the YMCA over the years and especially seeing him around town on his bike. He was a very sincere guy, always with a twinkle in his eye and absolutely without affectation.
My deepest condolences to the family on your loss. Sending you all love and support in this difficult time.
Dear Cheryl, Peter, Jennylyn, Maria and Liz. I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a vibrant, kind, humorous and helpful man, and he will be truly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Sending love, Marianne
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing.Our condolences to you Cheryl and all the family.
I have lovely memories of his hospitality, and generosity having been privileged to be included in an extended family gathering at a barbecue at their home when visiting Regina one summer. He always struck me as a kind person with a strong sense of social justice.
Dear Cheryl, Lew and I are thinking of you at this hard place in your life! We always remember how you and Jerry opened your home to us when Dad was in Regina General for surgery. It was the first time we met Jerry. He cooked up a storm and you spread out a feast for us. You both were incredibly kind! You and I have been lifetime friends and will continue to be so through this huge life change! Take care of yourself, my friend! We will see you in the spring!
Our sincere sympathy to you Cheryl and family.
Dear Cheryl - Even though work separated us over the last years I can still fondly remember the wisdom, guidance and humour that Jerry shared with me and all his other YMCA buddies each and every Saturday morning for many years. He was a great mentor and confidante and will be sadly missed. May he “travel easy” on his next journey.
I loved this guy! Every time Jerry and I would talk we had a real exchange of ideas and thoughts…he was a genuine man. He will be missed.
What a beautifully written tribute to an amazing man. Cheryl, I'm really sad hearing this news and sending you such deep condolences. You and Jerry were such a power couple; I trust your love will live on forever. Peter, Jennylyn, Liz and Maria- sending you such deep condolences too. I'm so glad I got to know your dad. I definitely see positive aspects of him, in all of you. I can hardly believe he's crossed over; he seemed so young at heart, I truly thought he'd be around for another 2+ decades. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Sending love.
We were shocked to hear ft of Jerry’s sudden passing. Sending deepest sympathies to you Cheryl, the children and all the families.
Dear Cheryl, We are sadden to hear of Jerry’s passing. You were such great neighbours in the short time we were in Yuma together. I hope your grief will be gentle and I know that your love for each other will carry on. Bless you darling, your friends are all with you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cheryl and family. Always enjoyed our conversation with Jerry, he was a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss.
Uncle Jerry will be missed greatly he was a great brother to my dad he was always a joy to be around when we saw him our blessing to Cheryl and all the cousins and there family's love you all
You just wanted to spend time with Jerry. Such an engaging and interesting man. His sense of humour was contagious and his social conscience was always on display. Will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to Cheryl and the family.
Our sympathy to you and your family, Cheryl. We're thinking of you at this difficult time! ❤️
We were devastated to hear of Jerry’s passing. Our hearts go out to Cheryl and all of his family. After too many years Jerry and Cheryl visited us this past summer, and we found he was truly all things written in his obituary. Malcolm was so pleased to have reconnected with Jerry and that we had the opportunity to meet his wonderful partner Cheryl. Our love goes out to Cheryl and the family that meant everything to him.
Sending our most sincerest condolences to our sister Cheryl and to all of Jerry's family. He was an amazing man & he will be so missed. Rest in peace
My sympathy Cheryl. I wish you and your family strength and peace. Bernie