November 1, 1943 ~ June 20, 2019
On June 20, 2019, at the age of 75, Jerry left us suddenly even though we thought he would pull through like he had so many times before.
He will be missed and remembered by his wife Mary Ann of 42 years, his daughters, Farrah (Chad) and Wynter (Devon), five grandchildren, Eva, Noah, Milton, Myla, and Violet, brothers, Elmer, Don (Holly), Ron and David (Eileen), in-laws, nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and sisters-in-law, Pat and Bev.
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario to Steve & Evelyn Grewinski, he was the eldest of 5 boys. The family moved to Grewinski Corner when Dad was young, Bird River was his home for over 70 years. Life was hard back then, he started logging with his Steve in the bush at a young age. It was there he developed his love for machines and trucks. By the age of 12, he was driving the logging truck and could barely see over the steering wheel. He had only a Grade 8 education, but he was wise and knowledgeable about many things. He was an avid reader; he loved biographies and Canadian history books.
As a child, Dad had lots of responsibilities around the family farm. It was his job to feed all the animals before going to school in the morning. He loved all animals, especially dogs, with our St. Bernard’s being his favourite. He walked 6 miles roundtrip every day to and from the Poplar Bay school.
He had many, many friends and acquaintances – he met people all over Manitoba on his travels. He knew people everywhere we went. He drove over every highway in Manitoba & Northern Ontario, some of Saskatchewan too. He spent many winters away from his family, navigating the winter roads of Northern Manitoba. He knew every twist, turn & bump in our Eastern Manitoba roads.
He was dedicated to his work-his business-his trucks. His work was his hobby and his hobby was his work. He took great pride in keeping all of his equipment clean and repaired, parking those 4 semi-trucks in a perfect row every time they came back home.
Dad enjoyed the simple things life had to offer, like a good home cooked meal or reading the paper while enjoying a hot coffee. He did make time for his grandchildren, watching them grow and play brought him happiness. In earlier years, he loved going to Vegas with Mom and being ‘The Gambler’ for a few days every year. He also enjoyed a beach vacation when we could convince him to go. He liked going for coffee at Drifters with the LdB crew. He also spent 25 years volunteering for Ducks Unlimited Canada and loved a good heavy equipment auction sale.
Thank you to the fantastic staff at Pinawa Hospital, who have cared for Jerry many times over the past 5 years. Thank you to our Mom (his wife), MaryAnn, for going above and beyond in trying to restore his health while continuing to support his need to work. Thank you to Dad’s loyal employees, Grant, Dave & Larry, who helped to keep his dream alive.
Our hearts are broken, our lives forever changed with him gone. Looking at all he left behind is painful. He was a good man and a good Dad/Grandpa, gone before we were ready for him to go.
We left your boots on Dad, so you can always keep on truckin’.
A Funeral Service and Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held on Tuesday, July 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Lac du Bonnet Community Centre with interment to follow in the Lac du Bonnet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 2T5.
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Evelyn Funk
My heartfelt sympathies to Mary Ann and family as they journey through this difficult time. May the support and love of family and friends help to heal your hearts. I have known Jerry as a friend since we were teens and have wonderful memories of a special person. Sincerely and with deepest sympathy.
Daryll and Eileen Hyslop
Our heartfelt condolences to you Mary Ann and your family. Jerry will being fondly remembered by us. A favourite memory is the day Jerry was stopping all the traffic on the highway near your place to let a turtle safely cross the road.
Farrah Buhay
I swear my Dad talked to animals! Thank you for sharing this memory- this speaks volumes to who he was!
Wynter Orvis
That was dad. Truly a kind heart. I’m an animal lover too.♥️
Madelyn Trendoff
It is with a heavy heart that we hear the news of Jerry’s passing. We will miss him terribly. All we have now are memories. Always looked forward to seeing him whenever we came to Winnipeg and Lac du Bonnet.
My sincerest sympathy to MaryAnn and all the Grewinski family.
Madelyn Trendoff (Cousin)
Dave and Linda Bilkoski
We are very sorry for the loss of your Loved one Jerry.
You will have many Happy memories that you can look back on and celebrate.
His love will not fade over the years to come.
With Love
Dave and Linda Bilkoski
Erik and Evelyne Tagesen
To Mary Ann and the Grewinski family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our memories of him, are special, With love Erik and Evelyne Tagesen
Jere Tetrault
Sending out much respect and condolences to the great Grewinski families. ‘Grewinski Corner’ was a corner stone for much of my life, a guiding point, a foundation, a certainty, by road, boat or snowmobile. Will always remember you fondly, RIP Jerry.
A special hug to David and Ron, at this time…
Love, the Tetrault families
Helen Nielsen
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing and we want to extend our sincere sympathies to MaryAnn, Farrah, Wynter and all the Grewinski family. We have many cherished memories of our visits with Jerry & all his family. May Jerry rest in peace. He will be remembered and remain in our hearts forever.
Love Deanna, Marion & Helen (cousins)
Irene Gendre
Our sincere sympathy to Mary Ann, Farrah and Winter at this time of losing your husband and father.
May happy memories bring you comfort. Love never forgets.
Sincerely Len and Irene Gendre
Alice King
My deepest sympathy to MaryAnn, Farrah and Wynter, and their families
Jerry was an exceptional employer for the last 27 years. How I miss him already. His guidance and expertise keep us both going.
He fought the fight, won the race; his pain and suffering is now over. May he rest in peace.
Heaven’s Gain; a loss to all of us here.
With sincere sympathy, with a million memories, with sadness,
Dave Anderson, and Alice Mae
Georgette Roziere
My condolences to you MARY ANN , FARRAH and WYNTER and all the family. Many memories were made at RIVERDALE, good laughs and jokes. Sorry for your loss.
Erika Harms
Mary Ann & family: Heartfelt condolences!
Sooo sorry for your loss!
May God Bless & guide you during this difficult time. Sending love & hugs!
Your friends & neighbors
George & Erika Harms
Wes Omichinski
My deepest sympathies to Jerry’s family. I worked with Jerry and his company on many different road building projects in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The man displayed ingenuity and perpetual pride in his equipment. I learned many tricks of the trade from Jerry and still find they come in handy every day. Thanks for the lessons Jerry.
Wes Omichinski
Bruce Querel
Very sorry to hear for your loss, to Jerry’s family, will miss Jerry.
Karen arsenault
Our deepest sympathy Mary Ann and girls. We have been thinking of you and your loss.
Sincerely Cam and Karen
Heather LeBlanc
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your husband. He will be greatly missed. Will be thinking of you and your family at this time.
Don and Heather
Phyllis Derham Gallimore
I have very fond memories of Jerry’s strong work ethic when he stayed with our family on Teakwood Ave. one winter at the start of his trucking career.
He put in tremendously long hours and I recall him coming in late in the evening and always thanking my Mom her home-cooked dinner (no matter how long she had kept it warm!!) .
Last year Jerry and Clive celebrated their 75th birthdays and this year Clive took the final journey first and was there to welcome Jerry.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time,
Phyllis Derham Gallimore
Richard McCalder
Sorry for your loss Mary Ann and girls, I enjoyed working for Jerry yrs ago, and found him devoted to his commitments . He was one of the most responsible and caring employer I have worked for in regards to caring for his equipment, and employees.
Rick McCalder and family
Fred & Sheila Grywinski
We extend our heartfelt condolences to you, Mary Ann and your family.
Sending our love, Fred & Sheila Grywinski
Ann Chambers / Grywinski
Thinking of you all, and sending our love!! Memories of jerry on the farm with uncle Steve!! RIP cousin!!❤️
Alexander Kelly
I just bought some gravel from Gerald last week. I was a customer of his over the years and Gerald always gave a little more than asked for. He was as fine example of the fabric of our country in entrepreneurial skill and development.
Lorne and Patsy Szmerski
Mary Ann, Farah ,Wynter and families,
Our thoughts are with you all, at this sad time. Your dad, husband, grandpa left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten by all that knew him. He will be missed by all! Take care. With deepest sympathy
love from, Lorne and Patsy
Jackie Hodge
My thoughts are with you all yes Jerry will be missed by all that knew him
Bonita Solomon
Condolences to family and friends.