We Remember
RABOURN, Jerald
October 20, 1932 — July 28, 2019
At 86 years young, went to be with his Lord Jesus on July 28, 2019. Born on October 20, 1932 in Shaunavon, SK. He lived throughout Canada including Toronto, ON., East End and Regina SK., Edmonton, ATL., Calgary, ATL., Drayton Valley, ATL., Fort St. John, BC., and Burnaby, BC. before settling his last 40+ years in Kelowna, BC. Some of his early work experience included farming, oil field logging and perforating, and warehousing. He briefly partnered with his brother-in-law Bill Bryan in a Kelowna auto mechanics and tire shop named “Bill’s 99 Service”, and in a Parts Distributorship (Bowes Seal-Fast).
After all this Jerry settled into the Electronics and Telecommunications industry for over 40 years. Jerry schooled at the Radio College of Canada (Toronto 1954) and worked for Canadian Westinghouse retrofitting British Submarine Detection Equipment for the Canadian Naval forces. However, his love for western Canada would draw him back West. Jerry worked for Alberta Government Telephone in Calgary. He moved his family to Kelowna in 1974 and started working for Okanagan Tel, which became BC Tel and then TELUS, until he retired in 1996.
To his family and friends Jerry was known as Mr. Fix-It. Vehicles, appliances, electronics, renovating rental homes, and even servicing 200 ft radio towers – he did it all. Always willing to help fix something for someone, and known for never saying anything negative about others, Jerry was loved by all those who knew him. He is survived by his son Ian (Donna) Rabourn, daughter Deanna (Russ) Tresoor, five grandchildren: Falyn (Pete) Darwin, Breann, Mitchell, Michelle and Carissa (Bryce) Garton. And 3 great grandchildren: Sienna, Layla, and Pierce.
The family wishes to thank the Kelowna Cancer Clinic, Palliative Care, and Hospice House. Thanks also to Northwood Retirement Resort and special thanks to Dr. Ziets Hendriks. Special thanks also to Rita Dumas Jerry’s close companion. Jerry now rests in peace with his Lord, and Elva Rabourn his wife of 44 years (passed on April 6, 2005), and his family and friends who have gone before him.
A Celebration of Life Memorial to honor Jerry will be announced soon. It will take place near the end of August – beginning of September. Generous and helpful – Dad or Grandpa “Fix-It” will be hugely missed but never forgotten!
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Our sympathy & condolences to Jerry’s family. Worked with Jerry for OK Tel and later BC Tel
After we both retired , worked together again on the “Gentleman’s Xmas lunch committee.”
Always the same old Jerry. Rest easy brother.
Rick
Our condolences to all Jerry’s family. I worked with Jerry at Ok Tel & then B. C. Tel. After we retired we frequently ran into each other at church & at the A & W! Whenever we met jerry always had a welcoming smile & was eager to share & catch up on any eventful news in our lives!! May God’ perpetual light shine upon Jerry & give him eternal rest.
Dave & Liz