It is with deepest sorrow that the family of Gerald “Jerry” Augustin Vanderwey announce his passing on March 3, 2021 at the age of 61 from a rare brain disease called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Jerry was born to Gus and Shirley Vanderwey on July 20, 1959. He was the youngest of five children and definitely a mama’s boy. He grew up on Donald Street in Fort William and had many fond memories of his childhood. In his younger years, the big guy enjoyed many sports and social events, including hockey, fastball, running, racket ball, and golf.
After graduating high school, Jerry went to work full time for his dad at B&B Stone. Jerry held a lot of pride in being a hard worker, regardless of the job he was doing. After B&B Stone closed, he held a variety of different jobs with the City of Thunder Bay, eventually working in the Roads South division.
Outside of work, Jerry was passionate about his pool and his snowplow. He was an avid sports fan for many family members. Jerry was a “social butterfly” and created many friendships that he cherished dearly.
Jerry was most proud and passionate about his family. He married Leah in the summer of 1990 and they were soon blessed with 2 beautiful and amazing daughters, Juliah and Lizzi. Jerry spent many exciting years cheering on his girls in different sports like fastball and hockey. He was their most loyal fan! He taught them many life skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Jerry will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 30 years, Leah, and their daughters Juliah (Shawna Fletcher), and Lizzi (Kyle Sitch), and beloved grandson Harrison Sitch. He will also be missed by his two dogs Marley and Myah.
He is survived by his siblings Janet, Sandy (Ken Traynor), Doug (Debra), and Ken (Shirley), and their families. Also survived by mother-in-law Iris Calvert, sisters-in-law Netta Calvert (Gerry Shaw), Cathi (Henry) Siemieniuk, Heather Duncan, and brother-in-law Boomer (Cheryl) Calvert, and their families. Jerry is survived by his extended family and dear friends. Predeceased by his parents Shirley and Gus, father-in-law Dan Calvert, and brother-in-law Bill Duncan.
Jerry and his family would like to send a sincere thank you to all the healthcare workers who helped us over the years in Jerry’s battle with Multiple Myeloma. A special thank you to Dr. Laferriere and clinical nurse Lori Moon, units 1A and 3B at the TBRHSC, Paramed Home Care, and St Joseph’s Hospice who were there to support us in Jerry’s battle with a new foe that he was not able to win.
Due to COVID restrictions, a funeral mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Jerry would like donations to be made to Multiple Myeloma Canada or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street South.
