KERRY TALMAGE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KERRY TALMAGE It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Kerry Talmage on June 17, 2004 in Honolulu, Hawaii after a lengthy illness. Kerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Ildiko; mother Mary Lou; brother Rod (Roberta) niece Brenna; nephew Trey; mother and father-in-law Roza and Frank Vass; sister-in law Gyongyi of Toronto; maternal grandmother Mabel Schwartz (Murawsky) of Kitchener; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends around the world. He was predeceased by his father Dale in 2000. Kerry was born in Kitchener, ON on March 23, 1963. In 1975 his family moved to Winnipeg. He also lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Boston, California and was presently living in Hawaii. He attended school in Charleswood and graduated from Oak Park High School in 1981. He attended RRCC for a short time before following his dream of becoming a performer. For the last 18 years Kerry has been successful in pursuing his career on stage doing stand up comedy, appearing in movies and TV commercials. Kerrys career has taken him to many parts of the world. Some of his favourites were England, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa. Before his most recent illness he had just returned from a Western Canada tour. Kerry developed juvenile diabetes at the age of 5. He endured many health related problems. Just recently he had to begin dialysis again after his kidney of 12 years failed. Through sheer determination, courage, optimism and love of life, Kerry lived his life on his terms and was respected for it. He fought back from several near death situations. He used his hospital experiences, his health issues and his small stature for much of his comedy material. He was happiest when he was on stage making people laugh. His wife of four years was the love of his life and he wanted desperately to have more time with her. His greatest joy was playing with his niece and nephew Brenna and Trey. They loved when "Uncle Kerry" came home for a visit. To comply with Kerrys wishes there will be no funeral service. Friends of Kerrys are having a charity function in Toronto at a later date, and a reception will be held in Mississauga for Ontario relatives. Friends and family of Kerry are invited to an informal reception on Friday, June 25 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, reception room, 4000 Portage Ave. between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Flowers are declined. Donations on Kerrys behalf may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, The Kidney Foundation of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You fought long and hard - its time to enjoy your peace. "Im laughing, why arent you?"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2004