April 3, 1932 – December 27, 2022
It is with heartbreaking sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Jerry Tardi at the age of 90. Jerry was predeceased by his wife Joan, who passed away in September of this year. He is survived by his children Donna, David (Lori), Jo-Anne (Glen), Chris (Cyndi), and his grandchildren Jordan (Joël), Danielle (Stephen), Matthew (Katie), Brett (Meara) and Laura (Rees).
Jerry and his 12 siblings had a challenging childhood. He lost his mom when he was only 6 years old and he and some of the younger children were placed in an orphanage. He recovered completely from a bout of polio when he was 7 years of age and went on to be a successful amateur athlete. He excelled in Olympic style wrestling, played senior and intermediate football and coached many young people in both sports.
Jerry met the love of his life Joan, when he was 17 years old. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1953 and were married for over 69 years. After having four children, Jerry decided to pursue a college degree and went on to have a successful career in Sales and Management, retiring at the age of 60 as a General Manager for MacMillan Bathurst.
After retiring, Jerry and Joan traveled in the winters and spent summers at their cottages, first at Sunset Beach, then Falcon Lake.
Jerry’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He loved to boast about his grandsons’ athletic accomplishments and his granddaughters, who he referred to as “Papa’s Angels”. Jerry always followed the path of kindness and respect. He believed that all could be endured, if you had a great sense of humour. He was a man of faith, hope and love. He was a true Christian and supporter of the parishes that he and Joan were members of. He was a person of exceptional moral and ethical character.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Dakota House, especially Jeff and Krista for their kindness to Mom and Dad these past several years. Thank you also to Dr. Louis Smith at Dakota Medical for his care and compassion. In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Forever missed, forever loved. We take comfort knowing that you and Mom are together again.
15 thoughts on “Gerard (Jerry) Tardi”
Jerry was a very special man, I remember the first time we met at Chris & Cyndi’ s house, infectious smile. Will always remember that day, Rest in Peace.
I’m so sad to see that my dear friend has passed away, but also I’m happy that he is with his beloved Joan, I was blessed to have known Jerry for 49 years seeing him visit me monthly at my barber shop was catching up on things & our families such a joy , made my job that much more enjoyable, may our God bless them in heaven, and keep our families here healthy in the New Year, to you all in Jerry’s family a truly heartfelt ❤️❤️🙏condolences from the masi family.
It was a great pleasure to have known Jerry. He was a true gentleman and treated everyone with respect and kindness. I loved his yearly visit after his retirement and he would share updated pictures of his grandchildren. Rest In Peace.
Our most sincere condolences,
Pat & Paul De Craene
The world truly has lost a great person. All my sympathy to the family.
Nobody was closer to Diana and I during my working life and retirement than Joan and Jerry . We became the best of friends after he hired me back in 1973 . He supported me throughout my career and we were able to have many good times together away from the job . We watched his family grow through the years and witness the successes they had as loving parents . Diana and I are going to miss our very dear friends as they were a big part of our life . God Bless to both and much love to the family .
Clive & Diana Morrison
We met your parents through the Master Brewers Association. Working on convention planning changed the relationship from work colleagues to friendship. After retirement we lost contact for many years, until our Lenten project about 5 years ago, prompted us to give them a call. What a joy! We reminisced, we laughed and recalled our friendship. How blessed we were. We celebrate their lives and send along our condolences. Bob and Muriel Kenyon
Deepest sympathy on Gerry’s passing to all his family.
We had the pleasure and honour of getting to know Jerry and Joan at St. Timothy’s Parish and enjoyed luncheon visits with them.
Jerry and Joan were remarkably friendly, kind and compassionate people.
The world will be at a loss without them.
May Jerry Rest In Peace alongside Joan.
Sincerely, Phil and Josie Landry
Condolences to all the family. So sorry to hear of your loss of your wonderful father and grandfather. May your happy memories give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I had no idea that Jerry had such a tough start in life but he made sure to finish it on a high note. He studied, he constantly improved his lot in life and he married the beautiful Joan and together they made a wonderful life. They raised their family of four who had Jerry and Joan as prime examples of goodness and light with a strong devotion to God as their guide in life. Jerry and Joan loved each other till their last breath and they were an inspiration to everyone they met. It was my honour to know them and I am so sorry they are now both gone from us all. I send my sympathies to all the family on this huge loss of both Mom and Dad in the same year. God Bless all of you and may you carry on their legacy with pride in knowing you couldn’t have had better guides for your journeys.
I appreciated the pictures of Jerry and Joan if only to remind me what a cheerful presence they were in every situation. I was a member of the parish at St. Thomas More and they were always so kind and welcoming to me and my family. I
mourn their passing but know their light is even more fully radiant.
Dear Donna, David, Joanne, Chris and families. There are no words to express the sadness I feel for the loss of your Dad. He was so loved and respected by my entire family. My condolences to everyone. He helped your Uncle Bob and I when we were young. He also gave us such valuable advice. He was always ready with a joke. I remember one time when we were invited to your parent’s house for dinner. We were all so young. Your Mom had made apple pie for dessert. Your Dad then asked “ Would anyone like ice-cream with your pie?” We all answered “No thank you”. Your Dad then said “that’s good, because we don’t have any”. Your parents were two very exceptional people and will be remembered and loved by so many. Jerry and Joan…Rest in Peace.
Yes I have lost a long friend, Jerry. Our friendship goes back to the mid 50’s when Marcelle and I and Jerry and Joan were in Edmonton. To demonstrate Gerry’s love for Donna, he would borrow my heated car to take Donna out. When we moved back to Winnipeg in 1960, shortly thereafter , Jerry, Joan and family also came back to Winnipeg. Jerry was the manager in charge of MacMillan Bathhurst and then Smurfit MBI. All managers of the other box factories had university degrees, Jerry did not have a degree, he used common sense for work and raising his lovely family. The two families travelled to the Maritimes by house trailers. We also visited at our cottage in Petersfield and theirs at Hillside and Falcon Lake. Deepest sympathy on Jerry’s passing and to all his family . My family wish you Jerry a great Voyage to be with Joan, Bon voyages mon amis.
Gabe Forest
Donna I’m so sorry to read of your dads passing. Although I did not know your dad I knew him through your moms stories and updates. Thinking of all your family. ❤️
My sincere condolences to all of the family. They have come to the pharmacy I work at for years. All of us looked forward to seeing both your parents when they came in. They were always full of life and treated everyone with so much kindness. When they weren’t able to come in anymore I looked forward to speaking to them on the phone. We could hear the joy when we spoke to them. I’m happy they’re reunited as they were tge very best team. We will miss them. Take care to all of their family ❤️