Obituary of Jerry Matic REYES

October 30, 1948 – Cabalantian, Bacolor Pampanga, Philippines
May 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Jerry Matic Reyes, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 22, 2021. 

Jerry was born in Cabalantian, Bacolor Pampanga, Philippines on October 30, 1948. As the oldest of seven siblings, he was a self-supporting student combining work and school culminating in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education from the Philippine College of Arts and Trades. 

Following successful completion of the Civil Service Examination, Jerry started teaching Mathematics and Machine Shop Technology at the Roxas High School full-time in Manila. At the same time, he also took evening classes towards his Mechanical Engineering degree at the Manuel L. Quezon University, while continuing to help support his parents financially in raising his other siblings.

After immigrating to Canada in 1974, he reconnected with his former elementary classmate Lucy through mutual friends. In 1975, after a long-distance relationship became something more, he and Lucy married and the two eventually opted to move to Calgary for job opportunities available to both as a young couple.

A girl dad before girl dads were cool, Jerry welcomed three daughters who he treasured and loved deeply. His two older daughters, Kathleen and Jacy, have fond memories of their father never limiting them in whatever interested them. If they wanted to assist in home improvements around the house, Jerry was there to give them a hammer and nails to practice with. When it came to after-school studying, Jerry was there to help work through and check their homework, while also helping them to learn how to hold their first pencil correctly.

Jerry survived afternoon matinees of children’s films at the movie theatre and carried extra bags of books home from the library when they became too much for his daughters to carry. Those skills would help his daughters immensely in their future careers. Later on, when Jerry and Lucy welcomed Justine, he enjoyed years of camping in matching camping trailers with long-time friends in the Filipino community, ranging from Mount Kidd to Washington State and places in between. 
 
A man who has always valued family over anything, Jerry continued working to support his family even after he moved to Canada. In 1983, the Canadian Family unification program allowed Jerry to eventually bring over his parents and six younger siblings to Canada to live the life he wanted for them and was able to provide for them through many hours of work. As the oldest son, Jerry watched with love and pride as his younger siblings began families of their own and treasured each new niece and nephew that joined the Reyes family and the families that they made with others. His favourite moments would be family events, where laughter was loud and memories irreplaceable. Jerry was a big sports fan and always cheered for the Calgary Stampeders and Flames, often watching games surrounded by family. 

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of forty-five years, Lucy, and his daughters; Kathleen, Jacy, and Justine. He also leaves behind numerous brothers and sisters, their families, as well as extended family. With his passing, Jerry will join his parents, Isabelo and Julia, and his younger sister Lani, in the light of the love of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In view of the current Alberta Public Health Guidelines, a Private Funeral Mass will be held, on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mr. Reyes’ service streamed live on the day of the service at http://ascensionparish.ca. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jerry’s name may be made directly to the Ascension Parish Catholic Church Building Fund, http://ascensionparish.ca, or via e-transfer, finance@ascensionparish.ca. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed on Jerry’s obituary at www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

The family of Jerry Reyes would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Unit 91, 94, ICU and the Nephrology and Transplant program at the Foothills Medical Centre as well as every medical professional who has helped him and has given us the time we had with Jerry over the years. 

In living memory of Jerry Reyes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
 

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