Obituary of GERALD JOSEPH CHARTRAND

JERRY (GERALD) JOSEPH CHARTRAND

June 25, 1946 - September 8, 2023

It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of Jerry Chartrand on September 8, 2023 at the age of 77.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Henrietta, his children, Michael (Laura), William (Deb), and Jody (Neil). Grandchildren, Kayla (Graham), Matthew (Sage), Brienz, Emilia, Kate, Ali, Nicole, Nathan and Zachary. Siblings, Yvonne, Isabel, and Hilda. Daughter-in-law, Tracy. Along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Predeceased by Parents Emil and Alice Chartrand, sister Marie, brother Orval, brothers-in-law Andy, George and John.

Jerry (Gerald Joseph Chartrand) was born on June 25, 1946 in Portage la Prairie, MB. He was the fifth child of Emil and Alice Chartrand and was raised in Winnipeg along with his siblings Yvonne, Orval, Isabel, Marie, Hilda and cousin Richard.

He unexpectedly lost both parents at the age of 6 and moved to St. Ambroise, MB, where he lived with family until the age of 15. He moved to Winnipeg, where he worked various jobs.

Jerry loved to play the guitar and sing. In 1965, after the music had been blaring from his apartment for a full day and night, his neighbour, Henrietta decided to knock on the door. Three years later, they were married, in the fall of 1968. They were blessed with 3 children, and last year they celebrated their 55^th wedding anniversary.

Jerry joined a band (“Tony and the Fram”). He was an avid sports fan, and also enjoyed playing baseball, bowling, shuffleboard, and curling.

Jerry began working at Quest Metal Products in 1974, and remained there until he finally retired after 47 years, in 2021.

Jerry became extremely active in his community, becoming sports director at Luxton community centre, where he coached baseball and hockey. He could always be found sporting his favorite red luxton flacons jacket. He was dedicated, taking the extra time to ensure the ice was ready for hockey season, and that the little ones had a safe place to skate, away from flying pucks.

Jerry loved the outdoors, and spent his summers camping at the beach in St.Ambroise, MB, and later, at Miami Beach in woodlands, MB, where he would enjoy the company of friends and family, and of course, play his guitar and sing late into the night.

Jerry loved to learn new things, and had a passion for figuring out how everything worked. He loved to build or fix things. Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, it didn't matter. He was happiest when he had a new a new project to work on.

In 2000, Jerry bought a piece of land in St. Laurent, MB, and began his biggest project yet. He was going to build a cottage on the water for his family to enjoy. And when the flood of 2011 threatened to destroy all his hard work, he stayed and fought the waters until he literally had to be hauled away by the red cross.

Jerry had 9 Grandchildren and he did his best to make them smile with his teasing, or funny puns, to fill their bellies with excess sugar, their hearts with love, and their hands with power tools.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.