Jerry, the big soft Canadian bear, passed away quietly at home in Cochenour, Ontario, in early June. Having lived and travelled in all sorts of corners of the world and running Prairie Designs in Winnipeg for nearly two decades, Jerry and Christina found Red Lake 25 years ago, joining Keewaytinook Okimakanak and then retiring to enjoy further world travels, fishing, hunting and the company of good friends up in Red Lake.

Out-living two wives, Christina Larsson, who passed away in 2003 and Heather Carruthers who passed away in early 2025, they now all "travel" together in peace. He will be dearly missed by his friends and the many people he worked with on projects in Barbados, South Africa, Lesotho, Manitoba and Northern Ontario. His warm bear hugs will of course be sorely missed by family in Sweden and Manitoba, his sister Emily, brother-in-law Gordon, nephew Dwayne, daughter-in-law Lisa, son Nils and his grandson Niklas.

We will all miss calling you and hearing your unwavering answer... "Goooooood afternoon, Jerry speaking.". To many, this always signified a new day, new project, new idea - all wrapped in a typical friendly Jerry smile, joke and small laugh. Time to take it easy, Dad.

Two gatherings will be held for Jerry and Heather Carruthers, the first at the Red Lake Royal Canadian Legion lounge on Monday July 7th, 2 to 5 pm.  The second at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans lounge, 3584 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg, on Wednesday July 16th, 2 to 5 pm.  Small eulogies will be given at 2:30pm at both events, and people are welcome to come and share a few words and memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Red Lake School Breakfast Program through the Red Lake Funeral Chapel.