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Jerry Cousins

Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On July 25, 2023 @ 12:07 pm In Obituaries | 25 Comments

February 20, 1944 ~ May 16, 2023

A casual farewell for Jerry, who passed away on May 16, 2023,  will be held on  August 13, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm , location the Big Tent at Watertown, Lac du Bonnet. Jerry is missed by his wife, Juanita, son, Michael (Shauna), as well as his siblings, Frances (Jim) Parker and Barry. Jerry also leaves numerous cousins, special friends and his work family.

Born February 20, 1944 at Pine Falls, MB, Jerry was raised and educated in Whitemouth, MB and Minaki, ON. One of his first jobs was at a marina in Minaki, where he learned to love the mechanical world of outboard motors, and exploring the Winnipeg River.  Jerry’s grandfather built and owned Pioneer Garage in Whitemouth, later taken over by his aunts, uncles and his dad, Fred.  This is where he acquired valuable knowledge of auto-mechanics. He then took an auto-body course at MIT in Winnipeg, and worked in that field for Terra’s Auto Body, and Melnick’s. He also worked for Lorne Molinski in plumbing and heating.

In 1965, he married Juanita Kondratuk (from Otter Falls).  In 1966, Jerry bought his first snowmobile and by 1967, became a member of the Beausejour Polaris Racing Team.  He then raced for and took a job with the Polaris distributor, H.C. Paul, Ltd. in Winnipeg.  There he was first exposed to Mercury Outboards and he became a master outboard mechanic and instructor.

In 1972, Jerry, along with Juanita and son, Michael, took a gigantic leap, left his job and took on the task of building a marine dealership at Otter Falls. By 1982, he was able to buy a Cessna 172 floatplane for his family business.  For many years he flew with Juanita,  Michael or others to numerous northern fishing lodges to provide courtesy camp service.  After 20 years of hard work, total success and many awards from Mercury Marine, the Cousins family moved their growing business to Lac du Bonnet under the name Watertown, where they continued to grow their business.

Jerry took pride in his dealership, 50 years of ongoing commitment and dedicated service with Mercury Marine, and was especially proud of his family and his work family.  One of his greatest passions was design and inventing, always sketching new ideas, and he patented several.  In 2006 Jerry and Juanita moved to Whitemouth where they built a nine hole golf course and eventually a new home. After 70 years of age, Jerry learned to play guitar, and together with Juanita and friends formed a band, The Antique Collection, and enjoyed entertaining.

The Cousins family and Watertown crew will be hosting a Casual Farewell for Jerry on  Sunday, August 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, location the big tent by the river at Watertown, Lac du Bonnet with music and lunch.

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Condolences for the family of “Jerry Cousins”

Condolence from Lorraine Drewlo & Family on May 19th, 2023 10:15 am

Heart breaking news Juanita. So sorry for your loss. Stay strong for your Family!
Sincere Sympathy To All!

Condolence from Cindy Betker on May 19th, 2023 1:42 pm

Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Wasn’t often, but we would run into each other every now and then since I moved away from LDB. Was always an interesting conversation of “catch up “.
RIP Jerry.

Condolence from Kevin and Gail Nally on May 19th, 2023 3:37 pm

We are so sad for you, Juanita, and your family.
Jerry will be missed.

Condolence from Derrick and Lynn Cardinal on May 19th, 2023 8:29 pm

So sorry to see Jerry’s passing. Our deepest condolences to his wife and family.

Condolence from Edna zurbuchen (nee HLADY) on May 19th, 2023 10:48 pm

Jerry was a very special person and friend, and he will be missed by many. Every time I see a star in the sky I think of him and thank him for bringing my heart back to Whitemouth. May Jerry find peace in heaven. My most heartfelt condolences to you Juanita and your family.

Condolence from Tim Paul on May 20th, 2023 12:12 pm

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and wonderful memories are with you.

Condolence from Alan & Sandi Bodnarchuk on May 20th, 2023 11:04 pm

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Although we had not seen him for years we still remember the good times we had during the snowmobile racing season. Gone too soon and remembered by many we hope the happy times remain in your heart. Condolences to your family.

Condolence from Debbie Schlamp on May 21st, 2023 11:30 am

Juanita we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. So many great memories of summers at Eleanor Lake with the Schlamp family and then for Kelly, Jessie & Kurt at both the gas station and Pinawa. He will be missed.

Condolence from Derek Roy on May 22nd, 2023 9:31 am

sorry to hear about jerry passing ..he left too soon but touched the lives of a lot of people i was glad to have met him and called him a friend..may he fly forever above us …

Condolence from Dorothy Altstadt on May 22nd, 2023 12:43 pm

My sympathies Juanita. Jerry was a really nice guy and a true gentleman.

Condolence from Robert Sutyla on May 22nd, 2023 5:43 pm

I met Jerry when I moved to Whitemouth in 1960. We spent a lot of time together for many years. Jerry will remain a very special friend. Condolences to Juanita and Michael and family.

Condolence from Bill Adams on May 22nd, 2023 6:33 pm

Heartfelt condolences Juanita, family, and friends. You and Jerry were both kind and helpful to me during my time in Whitemouth. He will always be in my thoughts.

Condolence from Alan & Sandi Bodnarchuk on May 22nd, 2023 10:23 pm

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We remember so well the days of snowmobiling racing and the fun we used to have. Jerry was a great guy and I am sure will be missed by many. Please accept our condolences and carry the great memories in your heart.

Condolence from Dennis & Rosalie Lofstrom on May 23rd, 2023 8:32 am

Our deepest sympathies Juanita, and family… Jerry was always friendly no matter where we met up. Treasure your memories. Dennis & Rosalie

Condolence from Jayne Watt & Shawn Merke and families on May 24th, 2023 9:14 pm

Juanita and Michael so sorry to hear of your families loss. Many special memories of Jerry being in our lives from such a young age , he will truly be missed.

Condolence from Mike and Diane on May 25th, 2023 9:10 am

So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing . Sincerest condolences to you Juanita and family.

Condolence from Cindy Behnke – Peace River, AB on June 4th, 2023 10:30 am

Dear Juanita and Michael/family, it is sad to learn the news of Jerry’s passing, sorry for your loss. I recall the times when Frank and I were dating, Frank never drove past your store in Otter Falls without stopping in, many good visits and laughs we had. I am sure they will meet fishing in heaven. Praying for comfort in the days ahead ❤️
Cindy Behnke

Condolence from Karen Zurba on June 19th, 2023 8:54 am

My sincerest condolences Juanita on your loss.
May you find comfort in your memories.

Condolence from BOB AND LINDA BRANDT on July 28th, 2023 8:43 am

We got to know Jerry and Juanita through years as business associates and we considered them as friends.Sorry to hear of Jerrys passing and our condolences to Juanita and family.

Condolence from BOB BRANDT on July 28th, 2023 8:46 am

We got to know Jerry and Juanita through years as business associates and we considered them as friends.Sorry to hear of Jerrys passing and our condolences to Juanita and family.

Condolence from Irene Godfrey(nee) McDougald on July 30th, 2023 12:28 pm

So sorry for the loss of Jerry, Juanita. Many memories of Jerry during our teen years in Whitemouth. My prayers to you & family

Condolence from Richard McCalder on July 31st, 2023 11:58 am

Condolences to Barry and Dawn (Jerry’s sister inlaw)

Condolence from Pat and Irene Blaney on August 1st, 2023 6:01 pm

Known Jerry since I was a squirt in Whitemouth , growing up us kids always hung out at the bridge over the mighty Whitemouth , as we were there one night Jerry came down to the river , his parents had a house on the river and Jerry had chiseled a trail down and had a small wooden punt with I’m guessing. a 6 Hp , and he called us down if we wanted to go on a tour , naturally we all fell over ourselves getting down there and he took us to the train bridge and back ! Well , to this day I have nothing on the back of any boat that we own unless it’s Mercury Black , I will never forget that day and it started a long relationship that has continued to this day . Yes , we will miss him but those memories will live forever ! Adios Amigo ! ( If God has a Merc , Jerry is tuning it right now ) )

Condolence from Pat and Irene Blaney on August 1st, 2023 6:01 pm

Known Jerry since I was a squirt in Whitemouth , growing up us kids always hung out at the bridge over the mighty Whitemouth , as we were there one night Jerry came down to the river , his parents had a house on the river and Jerry had chiseled a trail down and had a small wooden punt with I’m guessing. a 6 Hp , and he called us down if we wanted to go on a tour , naturally we all fell over ourselves getting down there and he took us to the train bridge and back ! Well , to this day I have nothing on the back of any boat that we own unless it’s Mercury Black , I will never forget that day and it started a long relationship that has continued to this day . Yes , we will miss him but those memories will live forever ! Adios Amigo ! ( If God has a Merc , Jerry is tuning it right now ) )

Condolence from Ron on October 16th, 2023 3:58 pm

Sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry . I had met Jerry and Juanita during my sales and service years in the battery industry. Jerry was always welcoming, courteous and thoughtful.
I remember fondly during a vacation at Otter Falls that my Wife and I with our 2 children met up with he and Juanita. We shared some stories and drinks at our cottage and he offered to take me up with the children in his float plane. This was their first experience of flying and they thoroughly enjoyed it as did I.
Another good guy has left us to fondly remember these times with him.

Ron

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