JERROLD (JERRY) URQUHART

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JERROLD (JERRY) URQUHART October 19, 1930 - January 21, 2019 In the early morning hours of January 21, 2019, with his family by his side, Jerry passed away at the age of 88, at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. He will be profoundly missed by his ever forgiving, ever patient and ever loving wife of 63 years, Elinor; his children, Ruth (Murray), John (Eve), Robert (Pam), Julie (Daren), David (Kari) and Peter (Cindy); his grandchildren, Christopher, Michelle, Jordan, Jacqueline, Nicola, Thomas and Ivan; and his great-grandchildren, Konner, Molly and Emily. Dad was born in Hamilton, Ontario. He played competitive basketball between ages 14 and 39 and was proud to have played on eight championship teams. At Westdale High School in Hamilton, he played guard. He played forward at McMaster University, but in the Air Force he was forced to play centre because he said "there wasn't too many goofs" (tall guys). Dad served 31 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Navigator. He was stationed in Ottawa, France, Winnipeg, Prince Edward Island, and then Winnipeg again where he settled his family, arriving at his final posting on Christmas Eve 1966. His voyage through life had its tranquil and turbulent times as have we all. As he described his flying career, his life has been hours of boredom interspersed with moments of sheer terror. Thankfully his periods of boredom were not too boring and his moments of sheer terror were brief. Dad retired in 1975 at the age of 45 but due to a shortage of officers, he was offered an extension that lasted until 1985 at age 55. He retired completely at this time. He often said that whenever he felt like getting another job, he laid down until the feeling went away. In his later years he played golf. When asked what his handicap was, he said it was learning to play this stupid game after the age of 50. In his retirement Dad enjoyed spending time with Mom in Florida, spending up to three months in the sunshine every winter. Dad was also a ham radio operator under call signs VE3BWD, VE3CVL, F7HB, VE1AGY, VE4MU, and VE4JU. For 60 plus years he called himself a low profile ham: low power and low antenna. While he never completed his university education, Dad emphasized the value of education to his six children with the result that they garnered two RNs, two BAs, two BScs, one B.Ed., one MA, and one PhD. His life's journey has been largely successful, with some near calamities, but nothing that wasn't overcome in the long run. He has expressed thanks for his life to his maker on a number of occasions, as should we all, and wishes us all Good Luck, Bon Chance. As per Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A private memorial and celebration will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2019