It is with deep sorrow, but lasting gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Gerald (Jerry) Allison Akre on March 24th after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. Born July 14, 1943, at Melfort, Saskatchewan, to parents Alvin and Evelyn. Jerry was the fourth of eight children. His early formative years were spent at Candle Lake, a place he cherished deeply. As a member of one of the pioneering families in the area, he held great pride in his family’s history and often shared fond memories of playing, fishing and swimming at Ranger Beach (now known as Waskateena). Despite its’ beauty, Candle Lake was an isolated place, and he always remembered the close-knit families who were part of those early years.

At the age of eight, Jerry’s family dismantled the home they had built at Candle Lake and moved it to Prince Albert, where he spent most of his childhood. During his high school years, the family relocated once more to Saskatoon.

Jerry met the love of his life, Lynda Button early on. Their connection began when he was just 14 years old and when she was 11 when their families became intertwined when Jerry’s brother, Ken, married Lynda’s sister, Elsie, leading to many shared moments over the years. Eventually, Jerry and Lynda became a couple and were married on November 7, 1964. They spent the majority of their married life and raised their family in Prince Albert. In their later years, they returned to Saskatoon, where they spent the last six years to be closer to family.

A true jack of all trades—and master of many—Jerry was a hands-on kind of guy. He could fix an outboard motor with just an adjustable wrench, lighter, sandpaper, and perseverance. Though he briefly pursued studies in the College of Engineering, he quickly realized he preferred hands-on work over theoretical study. His career path led him through a variety of jobs before he found his place at SaskPower in the Stores Department. Over the course of 35 years, he built a fulfilling career, ultimately becoming a Gas Serviceman with what later became SaskEnergy.

He was as proud to be Canadian as anyone you could find and had a deep love for sports. He cheered passionately for the Prince Albert Raiders, Edmonton Oilers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Toronto Blue Jays, and any team or athlete wearing the Canadian flag. However, he always gave an opposing team the respect they deserved. A man of few words but many opinions, Jerry always had something to say—especially when it came to sports and politics! He knew the value of a loonie and never wasted too many.

During the growing-up years of Lynda and Jerry’s children—Laura, Karen, and Brian—he was deeply involved in their sports. Whether it was serving on the Carlton Park Community Club executive, helping to coach or manage teams, or simply being a dedicated spectator, he was always there. This love of sports carried on as he and Lynda followed their grandchildren’s athletic journeys, traveling whenever possible to cheer them on. He was a dedicated grandpa and later, great grandpa. His grandchildren all fondly recall spending time with grandpa riding the quad, building birdhouses, “checking the (gopher) traps” around the acreage and much more.

Jerry’s skills went far beyond sports and mechanics. Jerry was a master of almost every trade, personally handling nearly every aspect of building the houses he and Lynda built—from laying the foundation to completing the finishing details. He was always ready to help with construction or renovation projects for his children and friends. If you needed some advice on how to do something, he was the guy you’d want to ask.

As an adult, Jerry maintained his love for the outdoors, including moose hunting, fishing, and camping. Annual three-week family camping trips to Minowukaw Beach at Candle Lake, alongside extended family, were a cherished tradition. After retiring from SaskEnergy, he and Lynda embarked on many traveling adventures, including a month-long trip to four Hawaiian Islands, visits to New Zealand and Australia, winters spent with his sister Carol and her husband Jack in Mesa, Arizona along with other family members, as well as a number of cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. They also loved and cherished their many trips over the years to visit Karen and her family in New Hampshire and more recently in Florida, and to visit Brian and his family in Vancouver.

Jerry and Lynda always worked hard for everything they had, building five houses over the years. They later returned to Candle Lake, developing property and renovating cabins, leading to the establishment of Akre’s Cove in recognition of the family’s history there.

Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife, Lynda; their children, Laura Parenteau (Roger), Karen Mezquita (Brad), and Brian (Anya). His legacy continues through their grandchildrenBrooke(Mitch), Erica (Marek) and Landon (Katie), Dylan (Svetlana) and Ty as well as great-grandchildren, Scotia, Reese, Eli, Briar, and Weston—with one more on the way in May2025.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Evelyn; his brothers, Ken and Allan; his brother-in-law, Jack Moldenhauer; and his in-laws, Wilbur and Mary Button.

His legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family will never be forgotten. A celebration of Life for Jerry will be held in July 2025 – Exact date and location to be determined.

To share memories or condolences family and friends are welcome to post on Park Funeral Home Obituaries “Guest Book”. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon or the Canadian Cancer Society.

• Date : 2025-03-24
• Location : Saskatoon, Saskatchewan