October 12, 1946 – March 14, 2025

It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Fredrick Balcom with his family by his side holding his hand on March 14, 2025, at the U of A Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, due to medical complications.

Jerry was born on October 12, 1946, Liverpool, Nova Scotia to Robert and Rachel Balcom. He was the oldest of 8 children. Jerry married his wife Catherine Jane Schrader Balcom on April 24, 1971, in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and they moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta, in 1973. Together they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

Our Dad was a master of all trades, one in a million and the best Dad ever. He grew up in the woods and ocean supplying for his family. At age 18, he joined the army until age 22. One of his proudest moments. He joined the boats and became a cook on the CCGS Louis S. St Laurent. He enjoyed his time on the boats where it took him on a trip of a lifetime and many stories of his travels of the world. He then moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta with his beloved wife, cherished son and one on the way. He started at P&G as a security guard working his way up to be top welder and coordinator for Weyerhaeuser, in September of 1973 until October of 2016. He also owned his own business, Bluenose Enterprises with his friend Doug Baker.

Jerry was a devoted man, always putting his loved ones first, yet he never lost his deep sense of independence. He found solace in nature whether casting a line into a quiet lake at sunrise, in the mountains with his sled or trekking through the woods on a crisp autumn morning in search of game. Cooking was another one of his passions, he took pride in preparing meals from his own creations turning them into hearty feasts for his family and friends. His love for the outdoors was more than just a hobby. It was a way of life, a reflection of self sufficiency and appreciation for the simple untamed beauty of the world around him.

He loved his home with his wife Cathy, a devoted neighbour, with his son Rob just 5 houses down. His neighbours, friends and connections were his community and second family. He cherished each and everyone. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, all the family back home, family friends and neighbours.

He is survived by his beloved family, daughters Tina Balcom Castle and Crystal (Darren) Balcom Deschene, and daughter-in-law Paula Gagnon. In order, grandchildren Shyla, Joshua, Alisia, Nicolas, Josee and Caleb “Little man” of Grande Prairie. He will be missed by siblings Sharon Batchelor, Diane (Gerald “Tom”) Hanleyand, and Gail Balcom, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family, along with countless friends who were fortunate to have shared in his journey. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will move on and the cherished memories he leaves behind.

He is predeceased by his wife Cathy Jane Schrader Balcom, son Robert William Balcom, parents Robert and Rachel Balcom, his brothers Robert “Bobbie” Balcom and Greg Balcom, sisters Anna Himmelman and Beverly Balcom, brothers-in-law Randy, Chris and Ken, and sister-in-law Mide Balcom.

Our family has experienced extreme loss. Dad’s absence leaves an unfillable space in our hearts, we find solace in knowing he is finally reunited with his beloved wife Catherine Jane Schrader Balcom and cherished son Robert William Balcom.

He enjoyed the simple pleasure of being surrounded by those he cared about most, as they would sit by the fire in the mountains at the end of the night or a visit with their favorite drink in hand. Dad’s favorite was spiced rum – 4 fingers and a splash of Coke.

Cheers Dad, from all of us!!

A celebration of life will be at a later date. He will be interred in Liverpool, Nova Scotia with his Dad, Mom, wife and son. Thank you for all of the calls, messages, sympathies and condolences.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca

• Date : 2025-03-14
• Location : Grande Prairie, AB

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