Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Cockwell

Jerry peacefully passed on April 29th at Pembroke Hospital, comforted by the love of his wife Karen and in the presence of his dear friends Andy and Wanda. Jerry is predeceased by his brothers Tom and Richard, and his sister Barbara. Jerry was a wonderful and loving husband to Karen for almost 60 years. He will be dearly missed by his nerdy son Stephen (Deanna) and beautiful and smart daughter Colleen (Mike, the best son-in-law ever!). He will be fondly remembered by his two favorite girls, granddaughters Sierra (Jamie) and Savannah (Ryan). Jerry adored his great-granddaughter, Audrey.

Although he was small in stature, he more than made up for it in personality, courage, and generosity towards others. Jerry will be remembered for teaching customers at his tourist resort (Whip-Poor-Will Valley Cottages) to water-ski and fish, helping the kids at Calabogie Public School fix their bicycles, training many guide dogs for The Lions Foundation, driving patients to their cancer treatments in Ottawa, hunting at the Luker Camp, cooking chicken for church barbecues, and finely crafted woodwork that became gifts for many people. He was often seen sitting on Gourley’s bench drinking coffee and socializing at Step N’ Back! Jerry traveled with Ed Gutoski to visit Lions Clubs and served as the District Governor for his area, receiving numerous awards recognizing his contributions to the Lions and his service to others. He was also a Master of the Renfrew Masonic Lodge.

Jerry and Karen spent their winters in Florida, where Jerry was busy on the shuffleboard court and raising money for the Dog Guides by doing odd jobs in the trailer park.

Jerry’s family wishes to thank Keith and Ann, Karl and Tess, Andy and Wanda, Audrey, Cor, Jenn, and Taylor, his church family, along with Cindy and all his PSWs who were so loving and kind in their care for him.

Rev. 14:13     May they rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.

The celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 7th, at 11am at Hebron Christian Reformed Church on Albert Street in Renfrew. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. https://www.dogguides.com/donate/