Gerald Anthony Zbytnuik

We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear husband, father and grandfather. Jerry was the son of Stephie and Tony Zbytnuik, who died in WWII before ever meeting his son. Jerry was cared for by his incredibly strong mother with the help of grandparents, aunts and uncles. He spent most of his time on the family farms in Roblin, Manitoba and Kamsack, Saskatchewan. He loved the farm life as a youngster and started school on the farm at 4 years old.  Later when his mom remarried to Frank Luzny, they moved to Dauphin, Manitoba where his brother, Wade was born. Wade was always a very important part of Jerry’s life.  Jerry attended high school in Dauphin, participated on many teams including track, hockey and football. He played on two football teams in Dauphin and Brandon, having to hitchhike between the two towns. He went on to attend the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining an Education degree. He played five years with the U of S Huskies, where he made many lifelong friends. This is also where he met his future wife, Donna, who was studying pharmacy. They married in 1966, moved to Regina and had three children. Jerry began his 35 year teaching career while also coaching the wrestling and football teams. During this time, he was recruited to coach the Regina Rams junior football team, which he did for 8 years, winning national championships in 1980 and 1981. Being a tireless volunteer, he also found time to coach his three children in various sports. Jerry was proud to be inducted into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame, and more recently into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. He also received many other volunteer recognition awards. 

While living and working in Regina, he was lucky enough to have both his brother and mother close by. These three spent many, many hours chatting and laughing and enjoying being together. 

Jerry cherished his summer holidays and many travel adventures with his family. Summer holidays were spent in the Okanagan with family and friends while also working at the Vernon Cadet camp. Jerry and Donna enjoyed many years at the family cabin on Okanagan lake. The cabin was the family gathering place where there was endless adventure, laughter and relaxation.

Donna and Jerry retired to the Okanagan where he went back to his roots and bought an acreage, some chickens, many horses and a tractor.  This was Jerry’s Happy Place where he would spend hours tinkering and puttering.  His greatest joy came with the birth of his grandchildren and the time they spent on the farm. Jerry loved hitching his horse to his sleigh and driving the kids around the field, building ice rinks and toboggan hills for them, and watching the kids ride their bikes and quads. Jerry was always involved in the grandkids’ activities including fishing, camping, boating, school sports, hockey and soccer. He immersed himself fully in everything the kids’ did and was their biggest fan and greatest supporter. He was so proud to see them grow and mature and cherished every moment spent with all of them.

Jerry did so many things for so many people and will be remembered for his fairness, inclusion, work ethic, commitment, competency and reliability. He will be sadly missed by all those who had the privilege to know and love him.

Jerry is predeceased by Stephie (Mom), Tony (Dad), Frank (Dad), Dorothy and Carroll (Parents in-law), Wade (Brother) and many other family and friends.

Jerry leaves behind his loving wife Donna, children Randy (Joleen), Jeri-lyn (Sean), Lori (Bryan), grandchildren Brett, Jordan, Katie, Damian and Zach. He will also be sadly missed by our close extended family, Karen and Olivia and numerous other relatives and friends. We are all so grateful for our time spent together.

Donations can be made to the Vernon Men’s Shed:  DONATE | Men’s Shed Vernon (mensshedvernon.ca)

A Celebration of Life will take place in Armstrong at Cedar Ridge Guest Ranch (Deep Creek Road) on February 21, 2023 at 1pm. 

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: