We Remember
CHAREST, Gerald Ronald
March 8, 1953 — June 26, 2024
It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Jerry Charest. He quietly slipped away at the age of 71 in the Kelowna General Hospital on the morning of June 26, 2024.
Jerry is survived by his sons, Jeremy and Jamie (Melanie); granddaughters, Stella and Julia; sisters, Rita, Jeannette, and Joanne; as well as brother-in-law, Raymond Rumley, and sister-in-law, Louise Charest. He will be greatly missed and remembered by his nieces, nephews, many relatives, and friends.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Camille and Clara (née Erasmus) Charest; his brother, Paul; and sisters, Doreen, Marlene, and Yvonne.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta on March 8, 1953, Jerry grew up in Kelowna, BC, where he attended Kelowna Secondary School and began working at Gormans Mill in Westbank as soon as he finished school. During this time he married his first wife Jean and began proudly raising his two boys. He was a very strong, hard worker and spent many years as an ironworker in BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Later, he settled into his home on Wood Lake in Lake Country, BC and became a self-employed gravel truck driver under his company name “Sunshine Ventures”. He was a very fun and creative father, spending many summers patiently teaching his kids how to ride motorbikes and waterski. Whether it was an early morning coffee, fishing adventure or late sunset cruise, he loved to spend time on his boat with his friends and family. As an active member of the biker community, his passion for riding motorbikes brought him to many different places across Canada, through the states, and into Mexico. Riding connected him with many people, leaving a strong impression on everyone he met. He loved to travel, one of his favourite travel partners was his mother, who he loved dearly and spent lots of time with throughout his life.
Also known as “Jerry Cat”, the door to his house was always unlocked and open to his eclectic array of friends. With a huge heart, he welcomed everyone into his home, he did not pass judgment on any person he met. Countless, fun memories were made at parties he had at his house. He was always there to share stories, solve problems, and have a good laugh with people from all walks of life. He loved hanging out and talking over coffee at Woody’s Pub or the A&W in Winfield, BC. Always happy to help people out, he would answer his phone and make himself available to meet up anytime, anywhere if there was a friend in need.
Jerry Cat was a very kind, friendly, charismatic person, with a great sense of humour that attracted hundreds of people into his life who will forever consider him a loving friend. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all those that knew him. Ride in peace.
A Funeral Service will be held on SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. After the service, a gathering will be open to anyone wishing to attend at 7:30 PM, located at JERRY’S HOME: 11620 Seymour Rd, Lake Country, BC.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM (PDT)
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
I’m sorry for his passing your dad my uncle he’s was a good kind hearted person will be missed
Dear Jamie, Jeremy and families, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Our deep condolences. Irene and Paul Koodrin
We are sad to know Jerry Cat is gone from here but also smile as He is at peace now. He was such a super cool person; His openness and positive attitude not to mention that smile! …..made you feel like family. Take Care xo
My Deepest Condolances and Sympathies go out to the Charest Family, Uncle Jerry will be dearly missed
Farren and Jennifer Richardson
Jerry was a year younger than me. We had a few adventures in the 70s and he was a gentle giant. Lost touch over the years, yet we had a few laughs along the way. Your Dad will surely be missed by all who knew him. God speed because Jerry is going like a bat out of hell on his bike ……just keep up
Jeremy&Jamie..extended family and friends..We are so sorry and saddened to hear about Uncle Jerry’s passing.Have a lot of great memories growing up and remember his kind nature and how he always made everyone around him feel special.Our deepest condolences..sending much love and prayers..your sister Jeannette and neice Shayna
My heart goes out to the entire family. Will miss you Jerry.
To the Charest Family, what a great loss but heavens gain, Gerry will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace my friend.
Condolences to Jamie, Jeremy, and the rest of my extended family. I never met Jerry, but he was my father, so his passing bears some significance. Sending healing thoughts to all who loved him.
Sure hope you’re riding those big clouds in the sky my friend. Keep the rubber down and I will see you up there for another ride together, but no offense my friend I’m hoping it’s a while in the future. You will be very missed and my heart, thoughts and love go out to those you left behind.
My condolences to you Joanne, also Jeremy and Jamie, plus your little girls Jamie.
Just learned of Jerry Cat’s passing… met him while working at the Gas Depot in 2004…. Ride on heaven’s Harley!