Skappak: Jerome “Jerry” Jack, Feb. 14, 1940 – Aug. 12, 2018

Jerome Jack Skappak, better known as Jerry, was born in Empress to Mike and Marie Skappak February 14, 1940, the sixth of seven children. He died suddenly and peacefully at home August 12, 2018, at the age of 78.

Jerry attended Acadia Valley School. Upon completion, he attended some courses in Red Deer and then returned home to work on the family farm as well as holding various oilfield jobs throughout the years. Jerry was very shy and would turn beet red when he spoke with or was teased by the girls. He met his sweetheart Cheryl at her place of work with the Oyen Cleaners, and managed to find the courage to ask her out.

They dated for a year and a half before being married October 21, 1971 in Kamloops, British Columbia. In January of 1972 they moved to Acadia Valley and began their family life together. As well, Jerry and his brother Ory took over the family farm and continued to grow it until he started in the oilfield in the 1980s. He would still continue to help with the seasonal activities of the farm up until the past couple of years when he would go out for visits to inquire about how thing were going.

In April of 1972 they were blessed with their first son Trent and again in May of 1974 with another son Chad. Growing up, the Skappak home was a favorite place to be for all the kids. Jerry enjoyed having the kids around; endlessly entertained by the trouble the boys would get into. Family vacations were spent on the road traveling either back to British Columbia to visit family or to Moose Lake, faithfully every summer, to their favorite camping spot.

Jerry enjoyed hunting in his younger years as well as fishing, gardening and camping in his later years. His love of fishing was passed onto him from his father and he, in turn, passed the skill down to his boys and grandkids. The door of his home was always open to visitors and he always had a pot of coffee on. Jerry remained connected to all his friends from his younger years and continued to enjoy their visits in his golden years. Jerry was very mild mannered and never spoke an ill word and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Jerry always had a soft spot in his heart for having one or two furry family pets in his company.

He is survived by his two sons: Trent (Flo) and Chad (Tami); four grandchildren: Natasha (Phil), Reese, Rylan, and Connor; one great-granddaughter Adalyn; sisters Sylvia and Connie (Bill); brother-in-law Les; as well as many nieces and nephews. He also left behind his furry four-legged companions Mutt and Jeff.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents Mike and Marie; siblings Sylvester, Lyvena, Ory, and Lucretia; and the love of his life Cheryl.

Funeral Service was held August 17 at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Acadia Valley. Officiating Clergy was Gerald Neufeld. Gwen Gustafson was the organist and special music was Day By Day by Tim Heeg. A tribute was given by Tami Skappak and a poem was read by Rylan Skappak. Hymns were In the Garden and How Great Thou Art. Pallbearers were Gary Wiechnik, Randy Wiechnik, Ashley Wiechnik, Lane Wiechnik, Craig Wiechnik, and Shawn Conway. Honorary Pallbearers were Hugo Bergstreser, Ron Shubert, Jack Van Dermay, Les Maahs, Derryl Shielke, and all Jerry’s many friends and neighbors.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to luncheon hosted by the Acadia Valley Community Club in the Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.