Jerry Walter Shyiak, age 78, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025 at home with his loving wife and family by his side.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 19 years Christine (Dudar), children Dayna (Richard), Brock (Charity), Meghan (Steve), Melissa (Tommy) and grandchildren Alexis (Sean), Madison (Jacob), Mason and Chloe. He is also survived by his sister Eileen Miller of Ottawa Ontario.
He was predeceased by his wife Susan (Spence), daughter Tracey, father and mother, Walter and Elsie Shyiak and sister Shirley Cooper.
Jerry was born in Amaranth, Manitoba and his family moved to Portage la Prairie where he spent his formative years. He was actively involved and excelled in hockey, football and golf. It was while playing high school football he met Susan Spence, got married and relocated to Thunder Bay to raise a family.
Jerry was employed by the Provincial Paper Mill and it was here that he met his longtime friend, mentor and partner, Tauno Junttola. Through their efforts, they built 100’s of houses in Thunder Bay. With the help of his wife Susan, he then went on to establish Giant Builders in 1986 which was one of Jerry’s proudest achievements. He continued to build many more homes until his retirement in 2013. He made many friends and acquaintances in the building industry. His son Brock, is following in his father’s footsteps to run Giant Builders.
Jerry loved his home on Lake Superior where he spent many wonderful years with his wife Christine. There was never a time one of his beloved boxers wasn’t there to greet him at the door. Enjoying his retirement years, they spent the colder months in Arizona, his favourite winter getaway.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors especially Dr. Moorhouse, nurses and staff at the Thunder Bay Cancer Clinic. Always so kind and helpful in their excellent care. Special recognition and thanks to the staff at Bayshore for their tireless efforts and daily visits. Nurses Joseph and Kyle provided exceptional care to keep Jerry comfortable at all times. Without their kindness and dedication Jerry would have not have been able to spend his remaining days at home, which was his last wish.
Cremation has taken place and respecting Jerry’s wishes, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre – Cancer Care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
