Pippus, Gerald (Jerry)
GERALD PIPPUS
April 12th, 1941 – December 30th, 2014
Gerald (Jerry) Pippus was born on the family farm in the Elbow District, to Matilda (Rausch) and Roy Pippus on April 12th, 21941. Jerry was predeceased by his brother, Lloyd Pippus; mother, Matilda; brother, Dale Pippus; sister, Shirley Woods; and his father, Roy Pippus. Jerry is survived by his brother, Steve Pippus; daughter, Patricia “Trish” (Chad) Mealing, Sierra (Aalyha), Wyatt and Hayes; daughter, Sheila Pippus, Oakley; son, Brant (Tina), Ashley and Kaycee; and friend, Madalene Kretsch. He is also survived by his special extended family, whom Dad held dear to his heart: Otto Rausch, Ruth and Kelvin Pritchard and their children Riley and Sheena Peterson. At a young age, Jerry began working at the community pasture in the Elbow District. From there he worked at Gardiner Dam, which led him to a 50 year career as a Heavy Equipment Operator. This job took him as far north as the Northwest Territories and to Northern BC. During this journey in the work field, Jerry made many lifelong friends. Along with Jerry on this journey, were his dear friends Del Smith and Dave Taylor, who were his partners in work and play. This field of work always allowed Jerry to make time for his passions in life which were his horses and ranching. In the late seventies to the early eighties, Jerry returned to visit and work on his family ranch in Mankota, SK (till present), where as a young boy he spent many hours with his uncles, whom taught him many great things. Jerry was very happy to pass his knowledge onto his children, and later, onto his grandchildren. Jerry was a very proud man, and was not afraid to tell anyone how great of a cow herd the “OK Ranch” had raised. He always thought of the ranch as his home. Jerry enjoyed a cold beer, whiskey and water, working with his family and friends, fishing and painting cars. Jerry loved and cherished his grandchildren. He loved teaching them to fish, hunt, ranching and how to halter break 4H calves. He enjoyed teaching Wyatt about trucks and cars, and loved his time spent hunting with him as well. Jerry was proud to share his knowledge of saddle bronc riding with Wyatt and steer riding with Hayes. He was a huge fan of Hayes and Oakley as the boys played football this past fall, and was sure to attend as many games as his failing health would allow. Jerry enjoyed special times with Sierra while working with her horses and calves, and also taking her fishing every chance he got. He also treasured his many hours spent with Ashley and Kaycee while on their sight-seeing road trips. It’s not hard to brag about my best friend, mentor, my rock, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and companion, my Dad, Jerry. Jerry never complained about hard times or any struggle in life he encountered. He was a strong-willed man, even during his battle with cancer, he was brave right till the end. Jerry spent the last year of his life right where he wanted to be, with Trish and the boys. Jerry took his last breath with his daughter Trish at his side, holding his hand on December 30th, 2014. This journey is over, the pain is now gone, thank you for the memories we will always cherish and forever hold on. The Family would like to invite everyone who knew Jerry to join them as they celebrate Jerry’s life. The celebration will take place on Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 268 High St W, Moose Jaw, SK. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Sorry for your loss.Knew the whole family and chummed around with Jerry in 50s to mid 60s when I left home and lost contact with him.