Ryba, Jerry (Jez)
Jerry (Jez) Ryba
It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dad and grandpa, Jerry (Jez) Ryba, on May 18th, 2024. Dad passed in the arms of his daughter, Jeri, in her home.
Dad was born in Moose Jaw to Charlie and Mary Anastasia Ryba and was the youngest of ten children. He attended Prince Arthur School and Moose Jaw Technical High School.
As a teenager he worked at the roller rink and for the CPR. He worked at the Moose Jaw Refinery for 41 years until his retirement. The last few years dad was plant manager, and he would joke that he wanted to write a book titled ‘You too can become manager after 41 years’. After retirement he enjoyed spending time with mom and the staff at the family business The Dash Leather Goods.
Jerry met the love of his life, Sandra Dash, at age 16. He was tying her roller skates, and they were together since that day, until Sandra’s passing in 2020. He was heartbroken from her loss and never stopped missing her.
Throughout his life he was a true athlete. He excelled at basketball and football. Top scorer in grade 12 for Tech High School for basketball, and an offer to play football for the Hilltops was turned down to stay in Moose Jaw with Sandra. He always said it was the best decision ever made.
He stayed active throughout his life. Jerry ran the Regina Marathon in 2004. He was also an avid racquetball player for many years at the YMCA in Crescent Park. He reffed basketball for over 30 years and was coach to many in minor girls fastball and Senior Ladies League.
Jerry was a true sports fan of professional football, hockey and baseball. He was a devoted fan of the Moose Jaw Warriors since they came to town in 1984. He was a season ticket holder for many years until he became a caregiver for mom and was unable to attend. This did not stop him from listening to games on the radio or watching whenever he could. Even a hospital stay at the end of March didn’t stop him from listening to the Warriors from his hospital bed. He was thrilled to be able to watch the Warriors win their WHL Championship.
Dad was the most generous person you will ever meet; his sense of humour was unmatched. He loved teasing and had nicknames for everyone in the family and close friends.
Sandra and Jerry travelled extensively. They enjoyed trips to Europe, Hawaii, Venezuela, throughout Canada and the United States. They enjoyed spending winters in Victoria in their retirement. A highlight for Jerry was visiting the Czech Republic, birthplace of his mom and grandparents. Dad was very proud of his Czech heritage.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Sandra in 2020; best friend, Neil Koop; niece, Jennifer Milne Bisson; siblings: Alice, Millie, Edna, Rose, Kay, Mary Agnes, Dutch and Cecil.
Jerry is survived by his daughters: Jeri, Janis (Rob), and Jacquie; grandchildren: Rundle Ryba, Jessica and Jahson Simoneau, Matt and Heather Schoenroth, Kevin Jowsey, Andrew and Jessie Jowsey, Lauren and Jamie Yuen; great-grandchildren: Fred, Marie, Evie, Grayson, Kai and Lily; beloved friend, Marge Koop of Winnipeg; cherished family: George Dash, Brenda and Ray Milne, and Cherry Milne; sister, Eileen Coveney of Ontario; friends and coffee mates, Gord Wilson and Dr. Willem Geyer.
Special thanks to Dr. Geyer for providing and treating dad with so much care, concern, and wisdom. And, for being such a strong support to our family.
We will Honor and Celebrate Jerry’s life on Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Condolences to the family from Darlene and Sheldon Denet
Thank you so much
To Jerry’s family and loved ones.. My deepest condolences to all of you. Such a great man is now reunited with the true love of his life Sandra. I had the pleasure of getting too know Jerry when Sandra came to live at Pioneer. His devotion to her was so beautiful to watch. I am saddened to know he’s gone but happy they are together again. May you’re memories carry each of you through this difficult time.Rest in PEACE Jerry. Sincerley Doris Dunlop
Thank you
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful guy! He was so kind and witty! Reunited with Sandra will be missed!
Thank you
I really enjoyed getting to know Sandra and Jerry while running with the MJ horizon running club! They were so much fun and I certainly admired the fact they were always together! My condolences to the Ryba family.
I express my sincere condolences. The Bible promise your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Your mom and my mom were in pioneer lodge at the same time. Got to know the familiar and kind man that your dad was. He had such dedication for your mom. I’m sure the loss of her was so incredibly hard on him. He was a good good man and I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
Joanne Barber(Peterson)
So sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. Although I have not seen Jerry for many years, having left Moose Jaw in the 1960’s , I remember him well.
We worked together at the old B-A Refinery for several years before I moved to Calgary . We became good friends both at work and playing sports sometimes on the same team and also against each other.
I know Sandra was the love of his life since their teenage years and his devotion to her lasted thru some very difficult years. He was a man of his word and a true friend to all that knew him. We actually spoke on the phone a few years ago and it was like no time had passed since we worked together.
May you rest in peace Jerry.
To all of the families,
Jerry was a role model for certain.
His Memory will be Eternal.
My sincere sympathy to all of Jerry’s family sad to hear. Been many years since I’ve seen him and the girls. We met through George. I was friends with him met at church he was a nice funny good man enjoyed the times we were at same functions. Or just visiting if saw each other somewhere .Many hugs and prayers to all
George may remember be me with different last name. Goodwin
Blessings
To all of Jerry’s family, thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family. Jerry was a devoted husband to Sandra and now they can be together again. Remember all the memories you shared and hold them close to your heart. Take care.
Jacquie, Jeri and all the family. My sincere condolences in your loss. Your dad – and mom – were icons of warmth and community spirit. They are missed by many.
My sincere condolences to the family on the loss of Jerry. He was a a terrific person and a great family man.
Take care of yourselves!
Lorne Humphreys
Jeri, Janis and Jacquie I was very sad to hear of Jez’s passing. I have known him for about 50 years through ball and church. May you find comfort in your memories and may they become treasures you hold in your heart forever.
Rest in peace, Jez!
Dear Girls and Families
My deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad.
He was a great guy and I will always have fond memories of him.
Remember all the great times you enjoyed
together with your Mom
and Dad.
Rest in peace Jerry.
Sending our love Jeri. I’m so sorry to hear Coach has passed. Your dad will always have a very special spot in my heart. Thank you for sharing him with us. Sending you lots of love and hugs
Thanks so much Deb
To the families – We are so very sorry for the loss of your father and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We hope all the wonderful memories spent as a family provide comfort and strength to carry you through the difficult days ahead.
Thank you so much.
To the Ryba family:
Jerry was such a great guy!
We’re so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
May wonderful memories give you comfort in the days ahead.
With our deepest sympathy,
The Elliott family
I remember Jerry as a very kind person indeed, I’m sure he will be missed by many.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father We had some great times together at the Y He was a great guy I am sorry that I can not attend the service but I am isolated at home with Covid Kerry Chow