Obituaries

Gerald “Gerry” John Smerchynski passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Raymore, SK, where he had recently made his home after many years in Regina, SK.

Gerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and was predeceased by his beloved wife Eleanor; son Greg; grandson Taylor; his brother Vern and sister Ruby (Ervin); brothers-in-law Steve, Ervin and Alf (Eileen). Gerry is survived by his son Troy (Teresa) and stepson Clint; daughter-in-law Kim; granddaughter Tahnee (Jory); his brother Terry (Susan); his sister Della; brother-in-law Don (Arlene); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Gerry was born on September 6, 1937, in Yorkton, SK, to John and Ann. Gerry and his four siblings grew up on the family farm near Willowbrook and Fonehill, both in SK. What started as a job with CN Rail at the age of 16 turned into a dedicated career.

With his career figured out, Gerry first laid eyes on his lifelong love, Eleanor, at his sister Della’s wedding. He thought she was beautiful, and Eleanor found Gerry to be full of fun. During their courtship, the two could be found dancing the night away at a local hall or enjoying a ball tournament where Gerry tried to impress Eleanor.

On New Year’s Eve in 1958, Gerry asked Eleanor to be his bride and on a cold February day in 1959, they exchanged vows in Yorkton. The newlyweds honeymooned in Minot, North Dakota, and set their sights on building a family, dreaming of raising two boys.

That dream began to unfold on April 25, 1960, with the arrival of their first son, Gregory. Nine years later, their family was complete when their second son, Troy, was born on December 2, 1969.

They made their home in Regina, where they raised their boys. Home was not just on McKinley Avenue; it was also at the baseball diamond, football field, hockey arena, and curling rink. Gerry and his family shared a love of sports, and through them, so many memories were made.

While the boys were busy playing sports, Gerry was hard at work at CN Rail, rising through the ranks into management over the course of his career. But perhaps more meaningful than any title were the lasting friendships he made along the way. His dedication to the railway left a legacy that would live on through his eldest son, Greg, who followed in his father’s footsteps and devoted 35 years of his own career to CN. Gerry was equally proud of Troy, who forged a successful career in the oil and gas industry in Rocky Mountain House, AB.

Gerry looked forward to days off when he could catch a baseball game, as he was fiercely dedicated to the LA Dodgers and slowly over the years, the Toronto Blue Jays. He also loved the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and above all, he had a deep love for the game of curling. He competed in bonspiels with the same competitive spirit he brought to everything he loved. Whether he was playing, watching, or volunteering, there was not a baseball, football or bonspiel that did not have Gerry’s full attention.

He had a gift for telling a good joke, a true art, and one he practiced with tremendous enthusiasm. Whether gathered around a crackling fire or up in the gazebo overlooking Tobin Lake, SK Gerry had a way of filling any space with laughter. The jokes themselves may have faded from memory, but no one who knew him will ever forget the way he laughed. The laugh would erupt as he watched the punchline finally land on everyone else.

Gerry loved to travel, and Hawaii held a permanent place in his heart. He and Eleanor returned to the islands and loved to talk about hopefully returning one day. A memorable Alaskan cruise, a gift from his son Troy, was yet another travel experience Gerry loved to reminisce about.

Few things brought Gerry more joy than the decades spent at Tobin Lake. He was an avid fisherman who competed in countless derbies and took pride in teaching others to cast a line.

His greatest fishing legacy lived through his family. Troy and Tahnee inherited his deep love for the sport, while Greg, Kim, Taylor, Teresa, and Clint were perfectly content to leave the fishing to them. Like Eleanor, they were happiest simply being out on the water, soaking in the company and the sunshine. Once the boat caught their limit, Gerry kicked the motor into high gear and got back to the cottage quickly so everyone could enjoy a fish fry worth coming home for.

A day on the lake with Dad or Grandpa meant an early wake-up call, premade ham sandwiches, and a cooler full of barely-sweet-enough lemonade. There was not always a lot of conversation while the lines were bobbing, but the smile Gerry wore the moment someone reeled in a fish said everything words could not.

It comes as no surprise that when family and friends think of Gerry, their thoughts turn almost immediately to Tobin Lake. There, his sons Greg and Troy along with their families, would join him and Eleanor for weeks at a time enjoying unhurried days at the lakeside cottage, campfires that lingered long into the evening, early mornings spent gathering bait, and afternoons settled in to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders or a Dodgers or Blue Jays game. On any given day, friends from miles around would arrive unannounced, knowing they would be greeted with open arms, warm hospitality, and a fresh supply of Gerry’s stories and jokes.

Gerry will be remembered for his sharp wit, his generous spirit, his stubborn independence, and his love for his family. No one was as generous as Gerry, as Dad, as Grandpa, as a friend. Whether on the water, on the ice, or sitting around a fire with the people he loved most, he lived fully and left a mark that will not fade.

Gerry’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff at Silver Heights Special Care Home in Raymore. From the day Gerry arrived until his final peaceful moments, the compassionate and dignified care they provided brought immeasurable comfort to both Gerry and his family. A special thank you is also owed to Kevin Almassy and his exceptional team at Almassy Metz Funeral & Cremation Services, whose professionalism and kindness guided the family through this challenging time with grace and care. The family is grateful for all the love and support they have received and is beyond appreciative of old and new stories being shared about Gerry.

At Gerry's request, no service will be held.