Obituaries

ILLIG, Jerry

On the morning of December 11, 2020, Jerry Illig slipped peacefully and quietly into eternity. Jerry was born in Wittenberg Germany and at the age of 6, came to Canada when his parents made the move to a new country. The family settled in Regina, but soon moved to Vancouver, where he stayed until his young adulthood.

After having lived in various parts of British Columbia, Jerry settled in the Okanagan in 1995. He loved adventure and enjoyed being outdoors playing sports. He played hockey, was a good soccer player and could hit a baseball, but his favorite game was lacrosse. Jerry also enjoyed hunting, snowshoeing and camping, but he loved fishing most of all. Whether on the ocean or at a lake, Jerry liked to have a line in the water.

Jerry also enjoyed driving and eventually made driving semi trucks his career.

In 1992, Jerry’s career as a truck driver was cut short by a cancer diagnosis. It was at that time that Jerry made a significant life change and developed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jerry began to volunteer at Green Bay Bible camp for several summers, and it was there that he met his future wife. What started as an unlikely friendship became a deep and special love and Jerry and Helga were married in May 2000. He kept his promise to never let life get boring.

In spite of his health struggles, Jerry never gave up. He would often say “a big shot is a little shot who never stopped shooting”. First impressions were often deceiving with Jerry as he liked to hide his kind gentle nature behind a gruff exterior, but when you got to know him, you would know his “all in” personality.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents, and is mourned by his wife Helga (nee Grams) and son Toby. Also grieving his loss are his brother Ray (Heidi) Illig and sister Rose (Jim) Oliver as well as his nieces and nephews, Helga’s family, extended family and many dear friends.

Due to the current COVID restrictions, a celebration of life is planned for the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to KGH foundation Hospice House Fund.

Condolence Messages

Feb 15, 2021
Dear Helga...so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I know the two of you shared many conversations - may you have wonderful memories of your time together. love and hugs....Karen and Gerry Tonn
Feb 15, 2021
Dear Helga,

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you. What a great tribute to Jerry and the life that he lived. May Jesus surround you and comfort you and give you His peace and love.

With lots of love,

Linda and Paul
Feb 12, 2021
Dear Helga and Toby

Our deepest sympathies go out to the both of you.

We will always remember Jerry coming up here, renting a boat and going fishing.

We will miss him dearly,

The Beaver Lake Team
Feb 11, 2021
What a wonderful tribute to your true love Helga xo

Jerry will always be a part of your story and I won’t be able to think of you without thinking of him also.

Therefore, he will never be forgotten.

Love you my friend...

Christine
Feb 11, 2021
Helga and Toby

Reiner and I are both sending our love and deepest sympathies with the passing of Jerry. Our hearts are with you both at this most difficult of times.

Love and Hugs

Reiner and Shelley
Feb 11, 2021
Helga...chien,

I heard Jerry's distinctive voice in my ear as I read this, saying, "Perfect."

As ever, you are always near to our hearts, and memories of Jerry are as near to us as our own kitchen table. And, you're right; playing dominoes will never be the same again, this side of heaven.

So much love to you, Toby, as well...

Rose and Norton Redlich
Feb 11, 2021
Dearest Helga

thinking of your during this difficult time.

big hugs

Susie Bonn