(1953-2025)
Death…..the Final Frontier, and so ends the voyage of Jerry (Gerald/Geert) Smeding. His 71-year mission: to explore new interests with passion, vigor, and enthusiasm; to seek out great community and even greater music; to boldly sing, loud and proud, wherever a willing ear was to be found.
Jerry passed away suddenly and peacefully at Stevenson Memorial Hospital on January 27th, 2025, ending a decades-long battle with a laundry list of serious health crises. Though he survived heart attacks, triple-bypass, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, tachycardia, and was in the end felled by lung disease, he hated being defined by his illnesses. His first grown-up pay cheque as a young man went almost in its entirety to purchasing a beautiful Ibanez guitar that remained his pride and joy until the day he died. When he wasn’t playing that guitar, cheering on the Jays, designing t-shirts, drawing, carving, writing, or constructing cardboard creations for his grandkids, he could often be seen strolling around the neighbourhood with his signature fedora, red glasses, and red cane. He was a performer - and a bit of a ham - and loved sharing his musical and comedic talents in various settings, whether onstage with his fellow Mad Cappers at the Barrie Lions Club, performing with the Bravado show choir, or jamming out in later years on Friday nights with his beloved Green Briar ‘Jammers’.
Jerry started his working career in the financial industry but he was, at heart, most dedicated to his second career as a teacher. He counted himself blessed, right up until his retirement, to be able to go to work every day at Georgian College. Jerry probably still holds the record there for the most different courses taught by a single person but he was particularly proud of his signature sci-fi course and he always smiled when given the opportunity to declare that he was a Professor of Science Fiction.
Jerry leaves behind his partner and co-captain of 47 years, Heather Lynn (Downey) Smeding; his ‘favourite son’ Tyler John Smeding (partner to Maureen), and his ‘favourite daughter’ Rachel Lynn Minke (Smeding) Drews (partner to Thomas). He is survived by his three siblings in the Netherlands, George, Rita, and Theries Smeding, and their families.
The only item on Jerry’s Bucket List was to become an Opa before he died and his wish came true three times over. He will be dearly missed by his grandsons, Jack Vance (9), Quinn Kenneth (4), and Oskar Bennett (4) with whom he shared many a summertime popsicle on the back deck.
Jerry chose Canada but he was always proud of his Dutch roots and language. Some of his most treasured and long-lasting friendships were ones that were forged during his formative years in the Netherlands.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Jerry will take place in May, at which time his ashes will be buried in the family plot at Minesing Union Cemetery. More information will be shared in the Spring. Memorial donations can be directed to the cemetery, or to your favourite hospice.
Go boldly, Jerry/Dad, into your next adventure. You will be greatly missed…but your next great story is only just beginning.
Arrangements entrusted to Legacy Funeral Home, Barrie. 705-728-8282
Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.legacyfuneral.ca