CRONQUIST, Gerald “Jerry” David

October 14, 1935 — July 29, 2024

Jerry passed away peacefully while surrounded by family in Kelowna, BC on July 29, 2024.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Roberta; sons David (Barbara), Bradley, Michael (Melanie), and Scott (Jody); grandchildren Aniko (Wes), Seren (Tye), Eli, Cayle and Alex; and great-grandchildren Sampson and Jack.

Jerry was born in Red Deer, Alberta and grew-up on a large cattle and grain farm that was established on the outskirts of town by his grandfather, Emmanuel, a Swedish immigrant. Jerry lived in a large farmhouse that Emmanuel built in 1911 on the banks of the Red Deer River.  “The Cronquist House” was a landmark in Central Alberta and became the province’s first designated Municipal Historic Resource.  After his father died, Jerry moved to Calgary, AB with his mother at a young age, but eagerly returned to Red Deer each summer to work on the farm.

After graduating from the University of Alberta in 1959, Jerry established a successful career in Calgary as an auditor in the oil and gas industry.  During this time, Jerry married the love of his life, Roberta.  Jerry and Roberta went on to have a family of four sons: Dave, Brad, Mike, and Scott.  The family moved to Central Alberta in 1975 and took over the operation of the farm.  The family moved again in 1979, this time to Kelowna, BC, which Jerry viewed as “the best place on earth”.

Jerry was very active and had a passion for sports.  He was one of the first members at Gallagher’s Canyon golf course in Kelowna and considered it his second home.  He played in a regular foursome with Mike, Phil, and Ed for many years and had a great community of friends from Gallagher’s.  Starting with his time on the farm, Jerry developed a lifelong love for horses. Riding, feeding the family horses with his grandchildren, and going to the rodeo and horse races were some of his favourite memories.

Jerry had a wide range of interests and enjoyed discussing politics, business, and sports.  He was a storyteller and revelled in recounting tales of life on the farm and the exploits of he and his eclectic group of friends.  He liked to keep things interesting by way of friendly wagers.  It was said that “nothing moved in the Cronquist house without a few dollars on it”.

Above all, Jerry’s greatest love was family. He liked nothing more than family gatherings and events.

Jerry’s wisdom, wit, and enthusiastic energy will be sorely missed by family and friends.

At Jerry’s request, no services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation to support Parkinsons research.

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