Rupert "Jerry" Gerald Nichol

Remembering Jerry Nichol

When asked to describe his life, Jerry's philosophy was succint.

He simply said: "We never had much money, but we sure had fun!"

Having fun and enjoying life loomed large throughout Jerry's path, from his childhood in Truax, Saskatchewan through 90 years of travels across this country.

Ninety years of experiences.

And he told such wonderful stories about those years, often at family gatherings or through phone calls with his many family members. He talked reverently about ball games in Avonlea, dances in Moose Jaw, and hanging out with his best friend Gilly DeMerse.

Jerry's idea of fun surfaced in so many ways. Like the time he wore a gorilla suit and stood on the corner of 18th St. in Calgary to attract customers to a garage sale. Saturdays were spent garage-saleling or tinkering.

Jerry loved his wife, Shirley, deeply and their bond was an inspiration to us all. This year would've been their 63rd wedding anniversary. Family members recall Jerry and Shirley's passion for cooking, playing the spoons, and dancing.

Jerry and Shirley bonded over food. They ran several restaurants together - some successful, others not . A drive-in in Lacombe, Chinese takeout in Radium, B.C., and the High River Auction Mart with son Roy.

Jerry's culinary skill even won fans in the High Arctic, where he was the chief cook for United Geophysical seismic company. He fed hundreds of men all over the Arctic Circle, from Rae Point to the North Pole.

Later, he was a "sanitation engineer" for 19 years with the City of Calgary but cooking was always his side gig. After retiring, he and Shirley lived in Palm Springs as snowbirds.

But he couldn't stay still. When WalMart announced a new store for Okotoks, he joined up as one of its first greeters. His infectious grin and hearty laugh quickly won over his co-workers. He was also popular in the area.

One manager once said: "Is there anyone you don't know?"

Jerry was the baby of 14 kids. He outlived them all before slipping quietly away in his sleep.

He is predeceased by his wife Shirley and son Chris.

Jerry is survived by his sons Ken, Patrick and Roy; Ken's family (wife Judy, daughters Tracy and Kari and their families), many nieces, nephews, cousins, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

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