Gerald “Jerry” A. Baerg

September 24^th, 1959 – February 18^th, 2023

 

Jerry was a social person, surrounding himself with many dear friends and good times. He had a stern mustache and rocking mullet. He was shirtless and shoeless most of the time with a cigarette or a J hanging out of his mouth and a beer in hand. He had a permanent smile on his face, always cracking jokes with his endless wit, this was just who he was. On the morning of February 18^th, 2023, Gerald Alonzo Baerg peacefully passed away with his family at his side in Medicine Hat at the age of 64 years young after battling with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis for the later part of his adult life.

Jerry was born to Doreen and Jacob Baerg in Estevan, SK in 1959. He is the oldest sibling in the family and the most stubborn of them all. When his mom and dad moved the family from Estevan to Hudson Bay, Jerry had to be chased around the moving van, screaming about how his hockey was too important for him to leave and he couldn’t miss a minute of practice. His dad was proud of him and took every opportunity to brag and share in his dedication to the sport. When he wasn’t in hockey school, he spent his time lovingly taunting his siblings. Jerry always had a dry sense of humor and dangling his brother and sisters off the balcony was something he considered play and found it amusing. It is a fond memory shared between his brother and sisters.

Jerry left Hudson Bay when he was 16. He and a friend hit the open road in his dads stolen work truck to make their way to somewhere new, live their dreams and never look back. This is exactly what he did for the next few decades. He went from a prairie boy to a mountain man, living the life in Winfield, Kelowna. It was here that he fell in love and married his partner, Joanne Simpson.  Eventually settling down in Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island. He spent his time there choosing a life that he wanted to live and surrounded himself with lifelong friends.

Jerry always owned a boat, no matter where he was, he was happiest on the water. From boating, fishing, and waterskiing to hiking and camping in the wilderness with his many dogs, he was always seen with a contagious smile. Jerry was always present in that moment and lived a carefree life. He was an adventurous soul, a free man; a person who never followed the rules or constraints of society and he forged his own path.

Jerry returned to Kelowna in the early 90’s after he and Joanne grew apart, it was here that he created a place that all his family, and friends visited during the summer, creating life-long memories together. He would tour us from the lake to waterfall adventures, and houseboat floating. To this day, these memories bring a smile to our hearts. Nature was where he felt most at home. Sleeping in his boat or setting up camp in a remote spot, or at home in his garden. Jerry was passionate and dedicated to his gardening and he enjoyed every stage of it. Digging in the dirt, nurturing the plant from seed to sprout to flower bloom. This brought him joy and he took pride in his gardens, plants, flowers and to everyone who knew him, his leafy greens. He was all about the good stuff, home grown was the way. Along with his love of nature came the love of his pets. His 4-legged friends were not just considered dogs, they were his family. Max, Duke, Spike, Walter, Stella, and Timber. Anyone that knew Jerry, knew how much he loved his dogs.

In the early 2000’s, after a near death experience in the Okanagan, Jerry decided to find his family roots again. He returned home to Hudson Bay for Christmas without telling a soul. He showed up at a family gathering, gifts in hand and nobody skipped a beat, it was as if he never left at all. From there he moved closer to his sister Jackie in Medicine Hat and continued his career as a Carpenter.

A few years after moving to Medicine Hat, he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, his long battle with the disease started. During this time Jerry became an even greater storyteller, spending hours sharing his life and adventures with everyone. He could make the saddest person laugh and drive the sanest person crazy with his weird projects or crazy ideas, always acting on them. As he got older, he became a great boss from his chair, he would assign you duties with relentless direction, even to his dad on how to carry out these wacky ideas.

Jerry is survived by his father Jacob Baerg and Siblings, Brenda Silbernagel, Charlene Baerg, Jackie Plustwa, Cheryl Baerg and Jody Baerg; his many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and people that were his chosen family. Jerry was predeceased by his mother, Doreen Baerg.

The family of Jerry Alonzo Baerg would like to extend our deepest gratitude to his caregivers and close friends who helped him during his long fight with MS. He treated the people around him like family and always put the needs of others before his own. He spent his days giving pearls of wisdom to those that were willing to hear it. Jerry touched many lives and he will be dearly missed, he wouldn’t want us to mourn his death, he would want us to celebrate his life knowing he is at peace and passing over the rainbow bridge to reunite with his mother Doreen and his many eager 4-legged companions.

No formal service will be held. Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10^th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440.

• Date : 2023-02-18
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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