Selinger, Jerome (Jerry)
On June 16th 2017, our patriarch Jerry passed, leaving an 82 year indelible mark upon many lives. Predeceased by his parents Jacob & Elizabeth, and his siblings Isabel, Leo, Alma, and Peter. Survived by his lifelong soulmate Patricia for over 60 years, Jerry became a father of four, grandfather of many and a friend to many, many more.
His first career playing 12 years in the CFL with 3 Grey Cup wins as an Ottawa Roughrider was followed by endless careers as a skilled carpenter and one of the entrepreneurial leaders of the family business, Oasis Pools.
Jerry spent his leisure time, gazing at the heavens training his pigeons to fly in unison. His telltale whistling was a daily sing song in the backyard. He was always happiest with both a child and a Chihuahua on his lap, and his wife Pat by his side.
Loving you Dad was always easy; Steve (Laurie), JoAnne (Mike), Sherra (Harry) and Greg (Angela). Our rock and our refuge thank you Grampa; Jessica, Melaina, Jacob; Bryan, Scott, Allison; Natilee, Benjamin; Reagan, Aiden, Austin.
From all those who have walked alongside throughout your journey, rest well Jerry.
Cremation has taken place, and a private burial will occur at a later date. You are welcome to visit at BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1010 BOTANICAL DRIVE, BURLINGTON, from 4 to 8pm on Thursday June 22, 2017.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.baygardens.ca


Jerry's Life Story

Jerry was born in Wayburn Sask. In 1935 - the youngest of five children. When he was 4 years old, the family moved to Welland Ont. hoping to seek their fortune in the trucking business. Shortly after they moved to Hamilton; first to Gage Ave N, then to 77 Victoria Ave N. to a house which was promptly converted to a rooming house. The family lived on the ground floor and “roomers” on the other two floors. Jerry’s bedroom was a cubby hole under the stairs which he shared with his beloved Spaniel. Jerry attended St. Patrick’s grade school and it was during this time that he developed his interest in pigeons; so much so that it cost him his grade 9. When this happened, he was ordered by his father to get rid of the birds.

He then turned his energies to football achieving All Star status at Cathedral High School, attracting the attention of Frank Clair, who at that time was coach of Toronto Argo’s. Through him, he got a football scholarship to St. Joseph’s College in Renssalaaer, Indiana, where he continued his All Star status. Jerry began his professional football career in 1957 following Frank Clair to Ottawa. The same year, he and Patricia were married and started their family. During the off-season, and in the earlier years he worked with his father and two brothers helping to build over 100 houses on the Hamilton Mountain and in Ancaster. He also renewed his interest in pigeons, some of which traveled with him to Ottawa in a custom made loft which he towed behind his DKW, thus becoming known as the “Birdman of Ottawa”. Patricia and his buddy Ernie Proctor cared for the rest of the 100 or so birds that didn’t make the trip.

After leaving football, Jerry spent several years working as a carpenter for Local 18 until he and Steven his son, decided to take the plunge and buyout Oasis Pools. All of his children; Steve, Greg, Sherra and Jo Anne, worked with him in the business until his retirement in 2011. Jerry maintained his interest in many things but top of the list was his family. He cared deeply for each and every one; and his opinions and advice, sought or not, will be missed by all. Well done Jerry. We Love You.

Singleness of purpose,
Every day of every year;
Love which has no limits,
In happiness and tears.
No boundary of forgiveness,
Giving never to receive;
Endings and beginnings,
Rewards are made of these.