GERALD (JERRY) THOMAS PATERSON

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GERALD (JERRY) THOMAS PATERSON

October 15, 1937 – November 11, 2023

Gerald Thomas Paterson, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023 at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre. Born on October 15, 1937, at the family farmhouse north of Oak Lake, Manitoba, Jerry's journey through life was marked by resilience, hard work, and a deep commitment to family.



Growing up on the farm, Jerry's fondest memories were etched in the vast fields and open skies. A born problem solver, he learned to weld at a young age, a skill that would become a cornerstone of his life. Graduating from Oakwood High School and attending Ryerson School for elementary education, Jerry's thirst for knowledge led him to spend a year in Full Gospel Bible School in Eston, Saskatchewan.



On May 4, 2023, Jerry and Stella celebrated their remarkable 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to enduring love and unwavering commitment. Their union brought forth a beautiful family, including daughters Tanice Taylor, Roxanne Neault (Donald), and Christie Collett (Trevor).



Jerry's life took an adventurous turn when, two years into marriage, his Uncle Jack beckoned him to seek better opportunities. Packing up Stella and baby Tanice, he ventured to the potash mines near Esterhazy, Saskatchewan where Roxanne was added to the family during their four years there. Economic shifts led the family to Brandon where he joined Simplot and he enjoyed working with the crew there. His next adventure took him north to Tuktoyaktuk, where he worked on dredge and drill ships on the Beaufort Sea. His family had grown to include another daughter, Christie, who, with Mom and big sisters, missed him very much. After 8 years of his work up north, Jerry started a long and rewarding 35-year career at Wheat City Concrete Products as a welder/mechanic, earning the affectionate nickname "Sparky." Even in his 80s, Jerry's expertise was sought, a testament to his enduring passion for his craft. They officially took him off the payroll 11 days before his passing.



Jerry found solace in reading, particularly his Bible and health and nutrition literature. His insatiable curiosity led him to explore diverse subjects through the pages of countless books. His little Puppy was his constant companion, sharing in the joy of walks and outdoor adventures.



Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Stella, daughters Tanice Taylor, Roxanne (Donald) Neault, and Christie (Trevor) Collett, his brother Harvey Paterson, sisters Beatrice Sparr and Barbara (Murray) Carr, many nieces and nephews and his adoring grandchildren, Andrew (Holly) Van Zeben, Regan Taylor, Josh Taylor, Ryan Mineault, and Breann Mineault. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Barb Paterson and his grandson Shaun Van Zeben



Jerry was interred at a private family graveside service on November 17, 2023 at the Brandon Cemetery. Pallbearers were his grandsons: Regan Taylor, Josh Taylor, Andrew Van Zeben, Ryan Mineault.



A Celebration of Life for Jerry will take place at Memories Chapel 330 – 18th Street North, Brandon, MB, on Saturday January 27, 2024, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. with formal remembering at 2:00 p.m. Donations in memory of Jerry may be made to a charity of choice.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 16, 2023, Dec 16, 2023