Obituary of Jerry Terry Kowalchuk

It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce Jerry’s sudden passing on March 30, 2015, at the age of 68. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Paul and Mary Kowalchuk and his brother Mervin. Jerry is survived by his companion Emma Laurin; daughter Lyla and son in law Trent; daughter Linette; son Lacon and daughter in-law Nicola; grandchildren Harrison, Kingston and Bronson; brothers David and his wife Shirley, Paul and his wife Phyllis, Jim and his wife Debra; sister Cindy and her husband Allan as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, on August 29, 1946. He grew up in the Homefield district, attended school in Ituna and later moved to Regina where he spent his adult life. Our Dad was known for his unique outgoing personality, sense of humour, and amazing ability to relate to anyone. He would unconditionally help out a friend, family member or a stranger in need. He also volunteered to play music for numerous charity events, senior social clubs and hospitals. It was his way of bringing happiness to as many people as he could. He spent most of his professional career in the computing field, first working at Sears, then Allis-Chalmers and finally IPSCO where he retired. In his retirement, he volunteered his time hosting the Polka Power radio show on CJTR 91.3FM, which attracted numerous faithful listeners from all around the globe. Our Dad was always on the go, whether it was flying his airplane, driving his Harley, deep sea fishing, spearfishing, snorkeling, or curling. Our Dad also loved to travel, visiting many countries, but also enjoying the simple things like fishing in Northern Saskatchewan, hanging out with famous musicians in Nashville and spending time with his grandchildren in Calgary and Bragg Creek. His most notable and memorable trip was when he and his son traveled Europe together where they spent Fathers day in Rome and toured the Vatican, which was a life long dream of our Dad’s. They had many adventures, laughs and experiences on that trip, the funniest was when he got “kicked off” the plaza in Rome for playing the accordion without a busking permit. He outshone the original accordion player who told him he was a master at what he did but he was taking away his business! We all laughed numerous times at that story. On that trip together, they had to communicate with people who spoke many languages. Our dad said, “There is only one language in the world that EVERYONE can understand and enjoy…and that is MUSIC!” Even though he had almost no formal training, he was an extremely accomplished musician who over time taught himself to play 10 instruments, played in numerous bands over the years and was a constant sight at weddings, dances and jam sessions all across Western Canada and Tennessee. The account of his musical career is best described in his own words… “It all started when I was 4 years old. I remember going to weddings with my Mom and Dad where I would spend the entire evening sitting on the stage with the band, watching the musicians. At that time, in 1950, the amplifiers were powered with car batteries. My job was to turn off the power switch to save the batteries’ power in between polkas and waltzes. When I was seven years old, my parents came home with a tiny 12 bass accordion. Although it was purchased for my brother, it was me who developed a passion for the instrument. As soon as the case was opened, the accordion was strapped to my shoulders and I quickly mastered “God Save the Queen”. The next morning came and I put on an act of being very sick and convinced my parents that I couldn’t go to school. The accordion was making sounds all day. I was later enrolled in accordion lessons in Yorkton, 50 miles from the farm, at $0.50 per session. I played my first dance at the age of 12. I didn’t get paid as the other musicians said that my first dance was really my audition. I didn’t care about the money. I just wanted to play. Soon after that, I played school dances and weddings at farms held in barn lofts and granaries. My wage was $5.00 / night. Money was tight at home and I turned my wage over to my parents. The money meant nothing to me as long as I played. After graduating from high school, I left for Regina to further my education in the computer field. Dad had an iron hand so the accordion was to stay at the farm until I graduated. After completing my studies, I got my first computer job and immediately took the bus home to get my accordion as I already had music connections and was eager to get back playing.” His most proud accomplishment was the polka CD that he and his son worked to produce. In his own words: “Throughout my 42 year music career I played in many bands and for many functions but nothing has been as rewarding as to help create this CD with my son Lacon. I am very honoured that he was influenced by my music and thankful for this opportunity. This CD makes me very proud and it is my hope that it will help carry on the tradition of polka music for future generations.” The Jaroslav CD is free to download at www.jaroslav.ca. Funeral Service will be held at St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1757 Toronto Street, Regina, SK., on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, a reception and musical tribute to our Dad will be held at the Hungarian Cultural & Social Club, 1925 McAra Street, Regina, Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kinsmen Telemiracle, 2217C Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8.