Jerald Hemstock passed away at Ridgeview Lodge in Kamloops, BC on April 16, 2017 at 84 years of age. He is survived by his sister Vida Kirkness and children Joel (Rie) Hemstock, Chris (Tracy Shymko) Hemstock and Melissa (Rob Tonnesen) Hemstock.
Jerald was predeceased by parents Walter and Catherine Hemstock and brothers Jim Hemstock, Jack Hemstock and Joe Hemstock. Jerald was recently widowed, losing Irma Hemstock in December of 2016. He was also predeceased by daughter Megan Hemstock in 1981.
He was appointed as a Royal Canadian Naval Cadet in 1952 and was awarded his wings in 1955. This led to a memorable career as a bush pilot servicing remote oil wells in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Jerald received a Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia and went on to become a teacher and counsellor at John Peterson, MacArthur Park and Norkam Secondary.
Jerry had a passion for sports, coaching minor hockey in Kamloops and playing recreational hockey throughout his life. He also played baseball and curled in his youth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kamloops Hospice Association, 72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops, BC V2E 2S9 or the Royal Canadian Legion, 425 Lansdowne St, Kamloops, BC V2C 1Y2. No service as per request.
11 Tributes
I had Mr. Hemstock as a counselor in the early 80’s at MacPark . He was a wonderful man, my condolences to his family .
Jerry was a special teacher and friend. We first taught together in the 60’s at John Peterson. We had many enjoyable times together over the years in student/teacher games; and at staff corn roasts, Christmas parties and inter school events.
His priority in teaching was the welfare of his students, and many students and parents benefited from his counsel.
He’ll be missed.
Mr. Hemstock was my counsellor at NorKam
from grade 9 through 12. He was an amazing man. He helped me so much when I had to go onto correspondence due to illness two seperate times. He made sure I got my exams written and had help when needed. He also made sure that when I came back to school I would get all the courses I need to graduate with my peers. I will never forget everthing Mr. Hemstock did for me. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Jerry Hemstock was the kindest, most gentle man I have known. His caring for family, his generosity toward people and his quiet strength,shared so simply, provided guidance for living a meaningful life.
I met Jerry in 1973 when, as a new graduate, I had my first teaching assignment at MacArthur Park. From the start Jerry greeted me with those warm eyes and a sly chuckle each backed up with confidence building acceptance. Life happens, jobs change, happiness and sorrow have their impacts. Without fail, each time I met Jerry his greeting was warm, supportive, honest and comforting. His slow measured voice, always with a hint of delight and that twinkle in his eyes, provided a positive moment of reflection and a subtle resolve to live life the way he did. His love for family and for his life partner was inspiring.
I am so happy to have met Jerry and want to add my condolences for your loss. His memory lives in all who knew him.
To the family of Jerry Hemstock,
Although I did not know your dad, who sounds amazing, I did know your amazing mother, Irma. The obituary for your father in The Vancouver Sun this morning was a lovely tribute. When our son was born in 1983, I had worked with Irma at Brocklehurst Elementary and she initiated making a gorgeous baby quilt for us. This tradition continued for other people, babies, retirements etc. I adored Irma as one of the kindest, talented most generous person I have ever known! I always felt she would live forever, a true angel. Sincerest condolences to the families on the loss of your wonderful parents.
There was such an aura of kindness around the man and he married well. Can’t remember meeting two more conscious human beings who lived with such strength of character as compassionate educators, they were both student-centred; as inspirational colleagues, they were both community-centred; and as joyful parents, they were both lovingly child-centred.
Somehow, they managed to survive Megan’s tragic loss. I remember Irma coming to Westsyde to talk to Meagan’s grad year. I was stuck then by her courage, for she wanted her daughter’s senseless death to be a potent lesson.
Didn’t know about Jerry’s bush pilot days. A pilot has to see many many miles ahead of his flight and remain calm in the face of adversity. Says a lot about how he lived his life and how effective he was as teacher and counsellor and friend…to say nothing of his parenting.
I count myself as fortunate to have met them as I was to have met their children, to whom my heart goes out.
Daryl Wakeham
Our sincerest condolences to the Hemstock Family on the passing of Jerry.
Jerry was a man of deep dedication with all of the students he counselled. He was a man of much compassion and insight. We are grateful for all the times he helped our son Rod and us over the bumps in the road each time Rod had to be reoriented back into school after many surgeries. Jerry will forever have our deepest thanks and highest regard and respect.
Jerry Hemstock was a “real gentleman”. Those two words sum up so much about Jerry and his attitude towards and affect on others. His impact was more profound than he probably ever realized. My sincere condolences to his family and his many friends.
so sorry to hear this… my heart is with the family. Dana-Leigh WSS
Jerry was my friend and colleague. We worked together at MacArthur Park for 10 years .
Always a gentleman ( except on the ice! ).
Sincere condolences to his family.
Jim and Roberta Jensen
Jerry was ” one of the best!” I counselled with Jerry at MacPark. His care, his diligence, his gentile manner helped many young people with their life decisions. Jerry might not have been ” at his best” on Friday am’s after starting to play hockey at 10:30 pm! My sincere condolences to Jerry’s family.