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After a courageous battle and with family by his side Jerry Lava, a resident of Kenora passed away on February 22, 2024, at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, at the age of 69.
Jerry was born July 9th, 1954, in St. Thomas, Ontario. Growing up in Aylmer and attending Assumption Elementary Catholic School and East Elgin High School, at school is where he met his partner for life, Judi, they were married on June 28, 1975. They have been inseparable since 1971.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judi, children Jason (Jenn) and Jeffrey (Tegan), and grandchildren Kamryn, Isabella, Carter and Madison. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents Maurice & Eugenie Lava, sister and brother-in law’s Jeanne (Joe) DeLeebeeck, Mary (Johnny) Kesteloot, father and mother-in-law Louis & Pauline DeRiviere, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Brenda (Don) Scott.
He found his passion and was able to exhibit his natural leadership when he joined CUPE as a National Representative, first temporary in 1989 and then found his permanent role in January of 1991 that brought the family to lake life in Kenora, retiring February 1, 2012.
Dad really enjoyed spending time around a fire, especially while at Lou and Pauline’s cottage in Haliburton on Red Stone Lake. He was always eager to watch a good football game and spent countless hours watching wrestling with his Dad and boys. In Kenora, his house was always the gathering point for wrestling events for Jason & Jeffrey and all their friends. Dad took great pride in the many flowerbeds that adorned the corner on Valley Drive. He always found himself in plenty of shenanigans with Lou, Johnny, and Don but when he became a grandfather, he was the proudest you’d ever meet, always embracing life with love.
Jerry became heavily involved with the Royal Canadian Legion in the late 1990s and poured so much blood, sweat, and tears into the Kenora Legion, Branch #12. He had 2 stints as President, from 2000-2007, at which time he had to step back to focus on his health and was able to come back again from 2014-2021. During this time, he was also Zone Commander, District Commander, and President of MB/NWO. He was awarded Life Membership in May 2006 and humbly, the highest honour from the RCL, the Meritorious Service Medal on May 26, 2022.
The family would like to thank Dr. Workman, the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Dialysis unit, Dr Watson, Dr Silverberg and the Paramedics, the Emergency team, Nurses & attending Doctors who helped in his final hours.
In memory of Jerry, donations can be made to the Kenora Legion Branch #12, which he dedicated his life to, in lieu of Flowers.
A Celebration of Life will be he on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:00am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre with Pastor Cathy Giroux officiating.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Lava family.