April 18th, 1945 – August 4th, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, brother, and gege on August 4th, 2020 at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Mb.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 49 years, Randy, and their son Jason and grandson Dylan of San Jose, California.
Jerry will be remembered by his sister, Jennie (Rudy) Stenzel; sisters-in-law Marilyn, and Mavis, brother-in-law Dennis (Diane) Burr and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Myles, and his brother, Paul.
Jerry was born on April 18th, 1945 in Gimli, Mb. He grew up on the family farm with his older brother Paul and his twin sister Jennie. He made life-long friends and always enjoy the outdoors that Gimli had to offer. Jerry and his best friend Danny would take their guns out and walk for miles in farmland finding unique targets to practice their aim. Then they would head back to Jerry’s home for a Ukrainian feast that his mom had prepared for him and for whoever he brought home with him! The fridge was always full of all his favorite Ukrainian foods. On weekends and after school he worked at Sulyma’s garage learning how to fix cars, pump gas, and give advice to anyone who would listen.
Following graduation Jerry moved to Winnipeg where he began his first full time job, working at Acklands and it wasn’t long until he decided that he wanted a more substantial career. His “bud” Danny had applied at the Winnipeg Police Dept and he decided he would try that as well. Unfortunately, he was turned down because he was too short, so he applied for a job with Canada Customs. He was accepted and on Sept. 22, 1966 he began his 34-year career as a Canada Customs Officer, wearing the uniform and carrying his badge with pride and integrity. He started his career working at the main Post Office, Winnipeg, clearing international goods. That is where two hearts met and fell in love! He was very persistent and promised Randy a dozen roses if she would go out for a date with him and one day she gave in, and the rest is history! They were married on May 15, 1971 in Winnipeg.
Jerry’s first posting was at the Cartwright, Mb port, and then a transfer to Emerson the following year, where he stayed until his retirement in 2000. One of Jerry’s favorite sayings at work was “Don’t worry, be happy”. He always brought laughter to work and was loved by all. He usually got away with not having to wear a tie using the excuse that he couldn’t button up the top button. He always stood up for what he thought was right and if he was wrong, he was the first to apologize.
Myles was born in 1972 and then in 1975 Jason was born. Jerry was a devoted father and husband whose family was his first priority. He loved spending time with the boys whether it be throwing a ball or watching them on their dirt bike or go-kart. Jason remembers that dad always had a helpful and keen eye as when they were on a family vacation and Myles and I were starving, dad quickly scanned the area and cut in between cars and up over bumps only to find out the sign actually read “Wallpaper to go”, not “Whopper to go”! But when the boys got in trouble, he would always say “not my boys, they’re Randy’s boys”.
Jerry had a love for carpentry and after many moves within Emerson, he built his own house in his spare time! He would joke about using “CT” time from work to realize this dream of moving his family into a new home in 1976. Jerry loved Sears products! He bought a riding mower and cut the grass and decided he needed the walking exercise, so he returned it! He painted the house exterior with Sears paint and returned the leftover paint for a refund as it didn’t do the job the can promised! He bought a table saw and returned it and was happy that Sears stood behind their product!
Over the years, Jerry became very involved in the Town of Emerson serving as a town councillor, church councillor, member of the volunteer fire dept, volunteer ambulance driver, handi-van driver, meals on wheels driver and enjoyed playing cribbage with the seniors at the New Horizons club. He loved convincing them to up the ante to a quarter bet! Jerry also became involved with the Tri-Border Peace Officer Association. This family-oriented association resulted in numerous activities and trips to North Dakota and Minnesota where new friendships were born and live on to this day.
Jerry began playing the fiddle at an early age, learning by ear, not by note. He played in a band while living in Winnipeg playing at different venues in the city. He loved going to fiddle contests and pointing out the mistakes the contestants made. His love for music never waned. He enjoyed getting together with friends and relatives over the years and spent hours “jamming”. Jerry loved watching western movies and never tired of his western movie collection. If he had company while watching one of his many favorite westerns, he would tell them what was going to happen, before it happened!
Following retirement Jerry and Randy moved to Winnipeg. While living in Emerson the short weekend getaways to Fargo were always treasured as he enjoyed shopping, eating out and time with friends. Jerry always had the final say of where to eat and when (no later than 5 pm). Jerry took being teased by friends in stride and because of Jerry, times together were filled with laughter and fun. He touched everybody’s lives in his own unique way because of his humorous and quick-witted personality. His ability to make people laugh would lighten the mood and put a smile on everyone’s face. He was always there to lend a helping hand and give advice. He took his responsibility as a Customs Officer seriously and with pride.
Our family wishes to extend our appreciation to the physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff at Riverview Health Centre, Victoria General Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital, Home Palliative Care program, Home Care program and the Home IV program for their kindness and care during Jerry’s illness.
Honoring Jerry’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place and he will be interred in the St. Vital Cemetery with Myles. In memory of Jerry, he would like you to toast him with a glass of good rye whiskey!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Riverview Health Centre Foundation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Mb.
VICHNAYA PAMYAT
19 thoughts on “Jerry Alex Banera”
Our deepest condolences to Jerry’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this very sad time. May the memories that you and your family have bring a little peace and comfort to you. Just know that Jerry is pain free and is with Myles and they’re both causing mischief as usual. ( I know Jerry is for sure).
Our deepest sympathy,
Ed and Audrey Powroznik – Gimli, Mb.
Condolences to Jerry’s family. I remember that smile so well growing up in Gimli. It was great when we met at the border and got to catch up. Kathe Stemp Olafson.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. All our love and prayers.
– Monique
Our prayers and Deepest Sympathy go to you Randall and your family. We were friends for over 30 years and sure had some great times listening to his fiddling music. He will be greatly missed by us and I hope you take care of yourself now and we will keep in touch.
Theresa & Allen
When i first started on customs jerry said,jesus another halloran!He was a great great guy,my condolences to all
Randy and Family, Sending our deepest sympathy to you.
Brian and Donna
Condolences to you Randy and all your family. Jerry was a good friend and co-worker. I will always remember the good times we had at work. God bless.
Deepest sympathies to Randy, Jason and family members
A very nice write-up on Jerry; He will always be remembered and missed.
One could fill a book with Jerry stories; he could tell good stories, but the stories we can tell about Jerry are endless. I met Jerry on my first day of work as summer student Customs inspector in 1973. Along with his handshake came the statement ” Welcome aboard, we needed another Ukrainian working here!” Jerry was a pleasure to work with; always jovial and rarely having a bad day. He loved playing bid whist, and blowing off the odd firecracker on midnight shift. In his earlier years driving that hot red Dodge ; squealing his tires out of the parking lot. The worst part of his job was having to wear his hat and tie…two things he truly disliked. The love of his life was Randy; never a day he didn’t rave how wonderful she was. His boys were always very special too.
Jerry served on town council for a few terms as well as on Emerson Volunteer Fire Dept. Also as chief steward for the Customs/Excise Union.
As a public servant, elected municipal official, Union Steward, and everything else Jerry volunteered and worked in Emerson in his time spent here… we can all now just say thankyou for your service.
You left a lasting impression on many of us; we will all miss you.
Vichnaya Pamyat my friend
Wayne Arseny
Congratulations, Randy, on the well-written life story of Jerry! I got to know Jerry in 1979 when I started to work for Customs in Emerson, as one of the first French men of the time. It was a pleasure working with him with all his anecdotes (Yah but).
Sincere condolences to you, Randy and family! May God Bless you all!
Au revoir, Jerry!
Victor Dumesnil
I worked my first set of midnight shifts with Jerry, now that was a learning experience! Jerry has a great disposition, was always friendly & cheerful. He had a very keen eye for detecting smugglers, if Jerry made a secondary referral, it was definitely worth having a good look!
He was one of a kind, a huge presence and a kind soul.
It was a real pleasure working with Jerry!
Dear Randy, Jason and Dylan:
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Jerry, your Dad and Grandfather. So sorry to hear this sad news, sending blessings of peace and strength. Love Dawna and Doug Knutt.
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to Randy and family. I worked with Randy many years ago at Emerson hospital.
Dear Randy, Jason and Dylan
Our sincere sympathies in the loss of Jerry. Family was very important to him. He was extremely proud of your accomplishments. He made things lively at work with his infectious good humour. He was a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather and a good friend. He will be missed.
.
Ken and Carol Kreitz
So sorry for the loss of Jerry he was a very good person and a friend I knew him since 1998 . he was such a wonderful ,very kind with good humor . For sure Jerry will be missed by lots of friends . My Sympathy to Randy and all his beloved . May his soul rest in peace
Adel Shenoda
Deepest sympathies to Randy in the loss of her hubby.
Altho I had never met him, I became friends with Randy through a business deal and have felt
like a forever friend – so glad we had met. It’s my hope and prayer that she will cherish those
old memories and may they help her in this time of sorrow. God be with you and your son in this
new journey without Jerry.
Our sympathies to you Randy and Jason. It was Jerry’s infectious smile and easy going disposition that I’ll always remember as well as when he and Jim Cockburn put the ladder up to our bedroom window when we were renting the Peto house in Emerson. Fortunately better judgement prevailed!!
David and Jackie Brisbin, Elora, ont.
I only recently learned of Jerry’s passing from his wife Randi. Our sincere condolences & prayers are extended to Randi and Jason. Gwen and I lived next door to the Banera’s in Emerson and and as outsiders were quickly welcomed into the Emerson family. Jerry was a true ‘character.’ The mold was broken when he bounced into Gimli, MB. some seventy years ago. He will be remembered by his sense of humour and his ever friendly demeanour. He was a great neighbour and good friend. We lost track when we moved in 1980 but Jerry & Randy we’re always in our thoughts. We had the fortune of reconnecting with them in Gimli after almost a 40 year absence and a few hours were spent re-living the ‘old days.’ Rest In Peace my friend. Don & Gwen Dempster, Selkirk MB
We only recently learned of Jerry’s passing from his wife Randi and were saddened to hear of the news. The Banera’s were our next door neighbours and they quickly welcomed us to the Emerson family. Jerry will be fondly remembered by his sense of humour and friendly demeanour. He was a true ‘character.’ The mold was broken when he bounced into Gimli many years ago. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Randi and Jason during this period of grieving. Out thoughts are with you. Rest In Peace my friend. Don & Gwen Dempster Selkirk MB
The hospitality you showed to everyone you met will never be forgotten. You are dearly missed.