GERALD JACK PROKIPCHUK (KRAFT)

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• Man, I sure have fond memories of Jerry. (Jerry forgive me for using J instead of G). All right the year was late fall 1970, and we jumped into Jerry’s 69 Chevy nova, Coupe red! Jerry was driving. Lyle Foster in the passenger seat… Bucket seats! And I sat in the back, on our way to Clearlake to play Danceland. Our band was called *Road Apple. I was 15 and didn’t really know the program? I thought Jerry was just a friend… Which, of course he was. these guys were 18 and 19. Jerry just looked so cool behind the wheel and very confident. Quiet guy, but also the kindest soul. We did the gig, and it was amazing and an amazing venue. I guess I didn’t realize he was the roadie? Honestly, I didn’t know what that was? I felt that I was just along for the ride, as we did, songs by the Beatles, Three Dog Night, and also Badfinger. We were a cover band and a damn good one, and Jerry was such a huge part of that for me, ..always present with his little smile and encouragement. I felt like he was my biggest fan.. singing in the band. Man, what an experience! Fast forward to September 2021 as I was living near Winnipeg and again playing with Lyle Foster And his Foster Martin band , at the Royal George… 50 years had gone by and Jerry had not changed one little bit. We had a big hug and he was on the board doing sound. Such a great gig and again damn he made me feel special. That’s just who he was. I was very shocked to hear that he had passed. For me he just lives on as the guy who drove the beautiful Chevy nova and was tuned in to the music, the audience and the band. Love you man! See you in another life, I hope. Charlie. - Posted by: Charlie Gregoire (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2023

• Kraft was always the smoothest guy in the group. Whenever he walked it seemed as though he was gliding. Walking on air, hence the name "hovercraft" which changed over time to simply "Kraft." I've known Kraft all of my life. Lived just down the street from my home on Pandora Ave East. As young kids we messed around together constantly. Played ball hockey in the back lane between Melrose and Pandora. Our hood. In later years, the two of us were a team as a roadie crew for one of the first rock n' roll bands Brian Sellars was part of. The group was called Next and we put out an album called "Dusty Shoes." I am sure Kraft would agree with me when I say those days as roadies for Next were the best of times. The camaraderie with the musicians in the band, the traveling to the many venues across Canada. Many great memories. I was very sad to hear of Kraft's passing. Days later he is still in my thoughts. Unfortunately, with living in Toronto now I am not personally able to attend the upcoming celebration of Kraft's life. I will however be thinking of him that day. May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to his family and relatives. Larry "Kasey" "Colonel" Kasianchuk - Posted by: Larry "Kasey" Kasianchuk (Friend) on: Sep 21, 2022

• I new Jerry for lots of years as the sound guy at the George he always said hello and a smile he will be missed, so sorry to hear about his passing my condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Raymond Chikowski (Friends ) on: Sep 17, 2022