Jerome "Jerry" Thera

Jerome (Jerry) Thera passed away at the Brandon Regional Hospital on August 29, 2021 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. Jerome was born on a farm near Spalding, Saskatchewan on May 26, 1935 to James and Dora (Nordick) Thera, the second youngest in a family of five. In 1949 the farm was sold and at the age of 14 he moved along with his family to Alpine, Manitoba, where he continued his early education at the Alpine School. At a young age he took interest in the railroad and began assisting the local Station Master in Benito, Manitoba and eventually became Station Agent mastering the telegraph machine, he loved the railroad.

He also loved Elsie Strykiwsky, originally from Arbourfield, Saskatchewan. Elsie worked at the TD Bank in Benito, Manitoba. They were married November 27, 1958 in Benito, but soon afterward moved to Wabowden, Manitoba as Jerry was transferred by the Canadian National Railway (CNR). Jerome and Elsie never really stayed in one place too long while working for the CNR and lived in many communities throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan such as Wabowden, Flin Flon, Ericksdale, Norquay and Kamsack. While in Kamsack they built a new home and settled during the children’s early years. They were blessed with three children, Gerri-Lynn (born in Benito 1960), Pamela (born in Flin Flon 1961) and Trevor (born in Kamsack 1971). While in Kamsack, Jerome worked hard during the day and sometimes nights. On weekends he travelled to Alpine to help on his parent’s farm. Eventually the pull to the farm was too much and Jerry left the CNR to take over the family farm, another family move! Jerome loved the farm; and developed one of the area’s largest and innovative hog operations, which he was always very proud of. He also had a love for the outdoors and as the farm bordered the Duck Mountains, he enjoyed spending time hunting and exploring the woods with his dog which allowed for many wild animal encounters and great stories. In addition to a Railroader and a Farmer, Jerry was an active community leader, who held leadership roles in many community and political organizations where he lived, such as Knights of Columbus, Swan Valley School Division Board, Municipality of Swan River councilor and many others.

In 1990 they sold the farm and moved to Dauphin, Manitoba where they took on a new challenge of managing a Motel (Tween Lakes Motel), then bought a home in Dauphin where they retired. Jerry continued to stay busy working as a handyman for Services for Seniors as he was a self-taught plumber, electrician and carpenter. Continuing his moving ways, they moved to Swan River and finally Roblin where he and Elsie lived the past three years. In his later years, Jerome was afflicted by Alzheimer’s, but during this time he retained his loving and mischievous smile, sharp sense of humour and positive outlook. He was always happy to see the grandkids, tell a story and offer good advice and loving compliments to his caring wife.

Jerome was predeceased by his parents, James and Dorathea Thera, brother, Jim Thera, sister, Elaine Kort, nephew, Brian Palmer and great grandson Archie Bosse. He leaves to mourn his wife, Elsie, daughters, Gerri-Lynn (Mark) Vestby of Roblin, MB, Pamela (Kevin) Greig of Swan River, MB, son, Trevor (Amy) Thera of St. Albert, AB grandchildren, Derek (Stephanie) Chez, Tyler Chez, Tara Chez, Griffin Vestby (Melissa James), Jillian (Mike) Bosse, Brendon Plamondon-Thera, Kenzie Thera, Talin Thera. Great grandchildren, Veronique Henwood, Taylor Chez, Morgan Chez, Blake Chez, Paige Chez, Brooklyn Vestby and Oscar Bosse. Sisters, Gwen (Bob) Palmer of Swan River, MB and Audrey Goodman of Edmonton, AB also large extended family and friends.

A Family Memorial Service was held at St. Columbus Roman Catholic Church in Swan River, MB on October 9, 2021 2:00 pm. Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Jerome may be to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba 120 Donald St. Winnipeg, MB R3G 4G2.

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