Obituary of Jerry Baniulis

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Baniulis on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Jane; daughters Tamara (Steve) Frerichs and Alicia Baniulis; granddaughters Stacia Baniulis (Michael) and Kirstin (Devon) Geib. He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren Mia, Maddex, Farrah, Violet Gray and Tenley Geib. Jerry is also survived by his sister Mary Weissbach; special nephew Randy; brother-in-law Gary Headington; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He joins in Heaven his parents Stella and Tony; brother Larry; sisters Beverley Headington and Lucy (in infancy); and brother-in-law Gil Weissbach.

Jerry was most known for his deep love of his family, creating a home filled with laughter and love. Dad was so proud to be surrounded by his girls and his great-grandson Maddex. When the whole crew arrived, Grandpa couldn’t be happier and he made sure to give everyone the biggest hug as they stepped through the front door. Dad’s hugs were the bestest, and he always knew when to wrap his arms around us. We’re all going to miss those hugs.

Christmas was Jerry’s favourite time of year and he loved it when everyone came to the house. He never wanted anyone to be alone at Christmas so family and friends were always welcome. To Jerry, anyone who stepped through our door was a part of our family. Christmas Eve fondue, along with Dad’s Caesar Salad, just couldn’t be beat. Day or night Mom’s many sweet treats were a must for dad. Grandpa and Kirstin could be found sneaking off to the basement to fetch a treat out of the freezer. The night always ended with us hanging our Christmas stockings and checking in with the North Pole to see where Santa was.

Jerry always made it extra special for every one of us, whether it was Tammy and Dad singing carols, Dad with his guitar and Tammy on the piano, or Dad spending weeks in the freezing cold garage building a Barbie playhouse for Alicia. One of Jerry and Alicia’s favourite traditions that extended to Stacia and Kirstin was our Christmas snow globes. December 1st was just as special as the 25th, when we received a snow globe from Grandpa. Those collections now fill our own houses at Christmastime.

Jerry loved to spend summers together, barbecuing with the whole family. Dad always had a habit of running out of propane right in the middle, which for us was a bonus because we turned it into a beer run too. He always made sure that our late-night swims started with 96-degree pool water and ended with warm, fluffy housecoats and towels fresh out of the dryer, delivered with a big warm hug. Birthday parties in the pool, with Mom and Dad on the grill and running endlessly for us, were always the absolute best.

Dad always captured our family memories on film. After retirement, Jerry spent countless hours transferring Christmases, birthdays and family events from VHS to USB. Thanks Dad, we are so blessed to have a lifetime of memories to share.

Jerry was an amazing singer and musician, playing across Western Canada from the time he was a young man. Jerry first started playing in a band with Gary Dunitz and later went on to join his brother Larry, forming Sights and Sounds. Jerry stole the spotlight with his beautiful voice, singing and playing guitar in Sights and Sounds, Friends and Neighbours, and Blackjack. He could often be found performing at the Pump Roadhouse, the Vagabond, Longbranch, Circle J, and other nightclubs around Regina. Blackjack was even featured on the main stage at the very first Big Valley Jamboree in 1984. In 1994, he was recognized for his outstanding contribution to country music by the Prairie Country Music Association. He carried that energy to the dance floor, when he and Jane taught country dancing across Southern Saskatchewan. Jerry’s passion for music, singing and dancing blessed him with life-long friendships through the music he performed and the people he touched.

Jerry was a long-time employee of SaskTel, a perfect career because he loved his gadgets. He was known for his resourcefulness, generosity and his willingness to go the extra mile to solve a problem. Even after he retired, he would receive calls from his colleagues and was always ready to lend a hand.

Jerry extended his creativity to his hobbies. He loved to spend time building things. Whether it was cat trees, gazebos, or garden trellises, he was always working on a project. If you’ve ever visited our home, you would have seen his craftsmanship on display. Jerry spent countless hours renovating every room in the house, from the cabinets, to the floors, laying tile and totally gutting the bathrooms so they were just perfect.

When Jerry could manage to tear himself away from his many projects, he loved to swing a golf club. He spent many hours on the driving range, perfecting his swing and giving pointers to Alicia, who is not a golfer by any stretch of the imagination, despite Dad’s efforts.

Jerry was a most thoughtful and kind person, always making sure everyone was taken care of. Remembering all those times, we are so thankful for all the special things he did for us. Nothing made him happier than to see the smiles on our faces.

Jerry and Jane would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this summer, something they both were looking forward to. One of our sweetest memories will be of our Dad as he lay in his hospital bed, locking eyes with Mom, smiling at her, and then blowing her kisses. His love for Mom was never so evident. Although the inscription on their wedding bands may read “Till Death Do Us Part,” their love for each other will last forever.

We would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff on 3D and Palliative Care, Unit 3A, Pasqua Hospital for the care and attention given to Jerry. Special thanks to Herb in the 3D Unit for his exceptional care and thoughtfulness as he helped Jerry each day.

In lieu of flowers Jerry would appreciate any donations be made to Regina Cat Rescue or Bright Eyes Dog Rescue. Our family will hold a private gathering to celebrate Jerry’s life at a future date.

Love you Tweedy. Forever... Jane.
Rest in Peace Dad... Love, your Pooh Bear, Tammy.
Daddy, I love you to kibbles and bits and bits and bits… lean... Love Alicia xo
I love you, I love you more, I love you most, I love you mostest my Grandpa... Love Stacia
Love you so much Grandpa. Rest in Paradise, you deserve that and so much more... Love K
We will miss you Great-Grandpa... Love Mia, Maddex, Farrah, Violet, Tenley.

Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hardworking hands at rest.