Heslip, Charles “Jerry”: Born November 12, 1932 (Parry Sound – the home town of Jerry Heslip and Bobby Orr). Passed away suddenly of natural causes on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at his home at the age of 89.
Beloved husband of Sonia for 66 years.
Loving father of Linda (Bill Scott) Barlow, Dale (Patti), Chip (Leslie) , Joe (Lynn) and Darryl (Jenn). Cherished Papa to Mike, Jason, Jolaina, Lukas, Lilah, Zoe, Gavin, Charlie, Jackson, Ben, Riley and Adam. Great Papa to Draven, Daximus, Akalina and Hadrian.
Jerry (often referred to as Chuckie by those close to him) was a man of many words. He had countless sayings that touched everyone he encountered. His presence was known by his unique boisterous voice and although sometimes embarrassing for his family, he was greatly loved and remembered by all. From the bank to the grocery store to the car dealership, you always knew when he arrived.
He was the epitome of a family man as evidenced by his many children. Family get togethers were rarely small. One of his most common phrases was “We’re gathered here together, because we’re together, if we weren’t here, we wouldn’t be together.” He would say it at an almost impossible speed that no one else could match. After a few Coors Light or Crown Royal, he would often sing “Why’s everybody always picking on me?” He always said we were picking on him but we’re not really sure why.
As the years went by his saying became more positive such as – “I’m better than I deserve and I deserve the best” Or “I don’t work on days that end in Y.”
Jerry loved sports. He even coached hockey for several years, bringing home a championship with his son Dale as his assistant coach. He always attended his children’s or grandchildren’s games whether it was hockey, baseball, soccer or football – again making his presence known and exuding his pride in his family. He was an avid Leafs fan who has never wavered and stuck with his team – even though he is the only one we know who remembered the Leafs winning the Stanley Cup. Now that he has crossed, let’s hope his Leafs can win it for him in 2022.
He loved his old time country music. Charlie Pride was no doubt his favourite artist of all time. We think he only had two songs on his playlist, “Kiss an Angel good morning” and “Crystal Chandelier” and we’re pretty sure he didn’t know all the words.
He was not a world traveller but would never hesitate to go out to eat at a plethora of restaurants. Desserts were always a must. Butter tarts, caramel crunch or coconut cream pie with extra whipped cream – all without calories of course
Jerry, your presence, your words, your voice will be greatly missed by your family, your friends and the many people in the community you have touched. It is quite clear that you (and Sonia) have done a great job in making the world a better place.
Jerry’s family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00-6:00pm on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A funeral will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 10:30am followed by a reception.
All guests must RSVP to attend Jerry’s visitation, service and reception through the funeral home’s website or by calling the funeral home directly.
If you are unable to attend Jerry’s funeral in person you are welcome to join the funeral via livestream on the funeral home’s website.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or JDRF would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Jerry’s memorial.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Charles Jerry Heslip Saturday December 18th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario