Obituaries

JERKE, Darrell Ryan

July 24, 1980 - March 4, 2023

With fond memories and deep love, we regret that we have to say goodbye to Ryan Jerke who passed away on March 4, 2023. Ryan was born on July 24, 1980, in Calgary, AB to parents Joanne Dunbar and Darrell Jerke. He lived there until 1986 when his family moved to Vernon, BC.

He attended BX Elementary, Okanagan Landing, and Hillview Elementary Schools - with also attending Vernon Senior Secondary School.

Ryan loved sports as he was a natural athlete. As a young man, he played hockey and baseball throughout his life. He was a die-hard Calgary Flames fan. He always enjoyed the outdoors, including dirt biking, camping, and hiking. He enjoyed going to the beach and laying in the sun. He loved riding his E-bike to Kaloya Beach to join his family in paddleboarding and picnicking.

Ryan was enthralled by the big mysteries in life. He enjoyed research on things such as UFOs, Bigfoot, and Theology.

Ryan always had an excellent sense of humour, had a ready smile, and had a laugh like a song.

Family was always a huge part of Ryan's life. He spent his time together with them most weekends, and thoroughly enjoyed every family gathering such as BBQ's, holidays, and birthdays.

Ryan enjoyed going to Church from a very young age, and continued to strengthen his relationship with God over the years with the help of Freedom's Door. He used his faith to guide himself through his many struggles in life.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Joanne Dunbar and Tom McCluskey; his siblings, Craig Jerke, Karla Jerke, and Chris Kolodychuk; as well as his niece, Taylor Dunbar, and his nephews Dakota Kolodychuk and Hunter Kolodychuk.

A Celebration of Life, and a reception following, will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 1:00 PM PDT, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 5V8. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating in Ryan's memory to Freedom's Door Kelowna, www.freedomsdoorkelowna.com, or the BC SPCA, www.spca.bc.ca.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jerke-darrell-ryan/

Condolence Messages

Mar 22, 2023
Joanne and family I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ryan. I just don't have the words to say ,but I'd like you to know that my thoughts are with you. - Debbie Jonson
Mar 18, 2023
It’s so sad to hear of Ryan’s passing. This must be so hard for the family.
Ryan worked at Spartan with his brothers and he was such a joy to have around. I feel lucky to have gotten to know him, play slow pitch with him, and have some really good talks with him over the years. He was an incredibly hard worker and an all around gentle soul. He always did his best and I know he loved his family more than anything else. He will be missed. My love and thoughts go out to all of you. - Scott Terris
Mar 17, 2023
You've only been gone days yet it feels like ages. I still remember changing your diapers and playing with you and raising you for years. I will miss you, Ryan, and cherish the times we had together. I always brought gum home for you and Craig and that will be just one of many, many things that brought me (and you) such joy. There are so many more memories.
To the rest of my family and his friends, remember how much joy he brought to us all and hold that close to your heart.
To Joanne and Tom, thank you for never giving up on him and being the best parents he could have ever had! My most sincere condolences to the family and his many friends. - Unca' Bob Dunbar
Mar 17, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and my most sincere condolences. - Dawnese
Mar 17, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you and the family. Ryan will be missed by many. We are here for you... All our love. - Kathy & Gary Carnegie & Family