Passed suddenly due to a stroke at Stratford General Hospital on February 13, 2021 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Phyllis (Merkley) Mathers for 60 years. Cherished father of Debbie and Kevin Paff, Cindy Wushke and Richard Neevel, and Randy Mathers. Adored “Gramps” of Amanda Paff and Brad Kremer, Christine and Nate Spivey; Brooke and Brett Steeper, Stacey Wushke and Ryan Gillis, and Jayden Wushke and Julia Malthaner. Great-grandpa to Hunter; Ella, Tucker; Ayla, Carson, and Riley. Brother-in-law of Shirley Buragina and Carole Mathers. Special Uncle of Steve Mathers, Jeff Mathers, Dani Buragina, and Julia Korsh. Predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Edith Mathers, parents-in-law Percy and Hattie Merkley, brother Dennis Mathers and brother-in-law Frank Buragina. Jerry will be fondly remembered by his best friend Norm Eckel.
Jerry “The Beaver” was best known for his daily walks down Main Street Exeter and operating his business Jerry Mathers Typewriters for 34 years. He took pride in taking Exeter residents for trail rides on the South Huron Trail Mobile. He had a love for Elvis Presley, Diet Coke and putting black pepper on everything. Everyone will miss his bright smile, positive attitude, and gentle loving personality. He was his happiest when surrounded by his family and was proud of all of them.
Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter (519-235-1220).
Donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Paul and Susan Horton
Sincere condolences to Phyllis and her family with the passing of Jerry. He would light up the room he entered.
John &Linda Barrett
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you
Sharon Campbell
Phillis Sorry to here about Jerry he sure will be missed
Brian and Janet Wedlake
Our sincere sympathies Phyllis to you and your family. He truly was a gentle
man.
Daryl & Carol Ann Keys
Phyllis & Family:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Jerry.
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Daryl and Carol Ann Keys
Karen McLellan
Phyllis, So very sorry to hear of Jerrys’ passing. He sure will be missed around Exeter. My condolences , my thoughts are with you and your family. Cherish those good memories.
Suzie & Abby McComb (friends of the trails members)
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Marion McCarter
Phyllis and families:
So sorry for your loss of Jerry. A great guy who always had a smile for everyone. I first encountered him at London Life and then in his store. Also saw him taking the Villa residents for rides as he passed the house. He left you
wonderful memories that you will now treasure and carry with you in your hearts forever. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion McCarter
Jackie Wells
Fred & I are very sorry for your loss. Fred sure enjoyed his time with Jerry while playing shuffleboard these past few years & for many years prior.
Paul & Beth Anstett & Family & Max
Dear Phyllis and family,
We are saddened to hear of your painful loss of Jerry. Max & I will miss Jerry and our great conversations we had over the years. Max always stops out front looking for Jerry to come out with a treat for him. May he rest in peace.
Chelsea Coghlin-Fewster
Phyllis and family,
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Although I only got to know Jerry for a short while, I quite enjoyed his spunk! My sincerest condolences.
Richard and Linda(Hayter) O'Rourke
Sorry to hear of Jerry passing. Will remember him for his friendliness whenever we might meet . He always showed an interest in how we were.
GLENN PRIDHAM
Phyllis and Family:
Please accept my condolences for the loss of my long-ago friend Jerry. We shared many great moments and activities as teenagers in Grand Bend.
steve and Nancy (Haskett) Turnbull
Phyllis and Family. Sorry to hear of you loss of Jerry. I am sure with all the fond memories you have will help you these difficult days. Steve and Nancy (Haskett) Turnbull
Reg & Dorothy Morrison
Just now heard of Jerry’s passing. So sad! Our sincerest condolences and sympathy to you Phyllis and our families. Sure liked seeing him at coffee time and was always cheerful. Will miss seeing him out walking. So remember those happy times and cherish the memories. Our hearts go out to you. R.I.P. Jerry.
Kim McKay
Phyllis, Randy and family
I’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Mark Heimrich
Phyllis & Family;
I am very saddened to hear of your loss of Jerry. He was such a nice guy with that sincere smile and a wonderful community man. We’ve known Jerry for over 40 years and remember well when my Dad would take cash registers and adding machines in for repair saying “Jerry is the only guy that can fix these things!” Soon after I was able to patronize Jerry with my business as well. I will never forget the classic Jerry “THANK YOU KINDLY” expression every time I would leave the store.
South Huron and area is a better place because of him.
He will surely be missed. Rest In Peace Jerry.
Phyllis, you are all in our thoughts at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich & Marilyn Heimrich
& Staff at Lifetime Water Products.
Brenda Triebner
Phyllis and family, Jerry always had a big smile and wave when ever we met and made time for a quick chat. So sorry for your loss.
Don and Brenda Triebner
John & Sharon McNeilly
Phyllis and family.
We were very shocked to hear about Jerry. We have great memories of times with Jerry, from shuffleboard, board meetings and many social gatherings as well as conversations over coffee. We know how proud he was of his family and you will have many wonderful memories to help all of you through the next days and weeks. Sending hugs to you all during this very difficult time.
John & Sharon
Dalton Ford
Randy, and the extended Mather’s family, sorry to hear of your loss, sincere condolences go out to you all, Dalt
Christina Scott
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all you during this difficult time. I know you have many great memories of Jerry to cherish, he will be missed. Praying for you during this time.
Christina, Alicia & Amy Scott
Melina Michienzi
To the Mathers Family,
I remember meeting Jerry and Phyllis just before aunt Shirley married uncle Frank. I remember having lots of fun in your backyard as we got to know one another. We have met many times since then.Jerry always had a smile whenever we would meet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Nick and Melina( Buragina) Michienzi and family
Shane and Christa Allen
Deb, Kevin and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, grandpa. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Keep all your wonderful memories close to you.
Shane, Christa, Amber and Ashley Allen
Carol finch
Sorry to hear of the sudden passing of jerry. My thoughts zre with you zt this sad time! I remember when phyllis when you and jerry got married. I went with shirley and your dad to pick black eyed susan dzisies and fresh wheat stems for your table zrrangements! It was a beautiful fall day! Treasure those memories!
June E Morenz
Mathers Family: Although I do not know any of you, I remember Jerry and Dennis working at the REAL Cherylann. I have often seen Jerry walking the streets of Exeter and usually with a smile on his face. You have my sincere condolences and enjoy all your wonderful memories.
Dianne Elizabeth Beattie
Phyllis & family !!
My condolences on your loss, he was a friendly soul and oh what a smile he always had !!D
He will be missed by many…………….Dianne Thiel Beattie
Mike and JoAnne Pickering
Sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. He was well known to the community as been a caring, and helpful man. Had a great business. Sending our deepest condolences to Phillis and family! Mike and JoAnne (inch) Pickering
Darlene Leybourne
Randy Sorry to hear of the loss of your father and our condolences go out to your Mom and the entire family
Darlene and John Leybourne and Chuck Collett
Bob & Jean Crawford
Phyllis and family. Bob & Jean Crawford are very sorry of Jerry passing . He was a great ambassador to everyone he met. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Barb and Chuck Dalrymple
Phyllis and family. We were so sadden to hear of Jerry’s passing. We always had such fun times when we got together with our Gordon girls. We will miss seeing Jerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barb and Chuck
Gary and Kathy simpson
Our deepest sympathy to the Mathers family.
Susan Moore
Dear Phyllis: I was so saddened to read about Jerry! You will miss him so much but I know that wonderful family of yours will love and support you through the difficult days! I wish I could hug you in person but know I am sending you a big virtual hug and much love! I will always remember Jerry’s teasing and then his big smile that followed!
Alice and Jerry MacLean
Phillis..you and your family have so much to be proud of,having had Jerry as a great husband,father, and grandpa .Remembering times of years gone by when we gathered together with the piano, and guitars playing till early mornings and always the Elvis tunes were JERRYS specialty were always in demand.!
He was a happy smiling guy when Dennis would strum up the guitar!
After the shock is over ..try to smile about what you have had with Jerry, rather than what you no longer have….Bless your wonderfull family ,who we are sure will always be there to comfort you and share all the wonderfull stories of days gone by.
God Bless all of you and give you his peace.
John & Anne Kiser
Very sorry to hear of your loss, our condolences to the family.
Muriel DALRYMPLE
Phyllis and family, so very sorry of your loss. He was such a gentle person and will be truly missed. Take care, Hugs, Tom & Muriel
Lorne Shirl Dundas
Phyllis and Family so sorry to hear about Jerry. Guess we are all getting to that age. Jerry cleaned my typewriter at London Life. Phyllis. You and I (Shirley Dundas) were neighbours in Exeter during high school years. God Bless your Family and take care. of each other
Jack&Margarer Kraft
Please accept our sincere condolences. Such a kind gentleman with a gracious smile. Jerry will be truly missed by many.
Jack& Margaret Kraft
Marie Sawa
Phyllis, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Wonderful memories of The Cheryl Ann in Grand Bend. May your happy memories of Jerry help you in these difficult days.
Marie (Denomme)Sawa
Kate Monk
Dear Phyllis and Family
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Jerry was a tireless volunteer, taking countless people on the South Huron Trail Mobile to get some fresh air and enjoy nature. Jerry was a wonderful ambassador when we toured the Communities in Bloom judges. Regardless of what part of Canada they came from, they remember their ride along through the tall trees beside the beautiful Ausable River.
Elaine and Jim Tomlinson
Dear Phyllis and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. He was a very kind man and will be greatly missed.
Wanda Reynolds
Phyllis & Family
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Bob & Wanda Reynolds
Jean crerar
My deepest sympathy to you, Phyllis and your family. I didn’t know Jerry until we met at shuffle board, and he was always so pleasant. Didn’t matter if he won or not he had his happy smile. Strokes are terrible things. I know you will dearly miss him. You will have family and friends, and great memories, to help you through this sad time.
Jean Crerar
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Jerry’s family and friends:
Sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. The words in the obituary were right on, he had a smile for everyone and was never too busy to say hello.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time
JIM CHAPMAN
Phyllis,
Debbie, Cindy, Randy and Families,
I was surprised and saddened to hear that Jerry Passed away.
It is never easy to lose a husband, father, grandfather – my deepest sympathy !
Bob and Helen Coates
Our sincere condolences for the loss of a dear husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. We will always remember his friendliness and smile both in the store and on the trail. He contributed much as a trail mobile driver. May your memories comfort all of you.
Anmarie Hoffman
Dear Phyllis and family., Our deepest ‘Sympathy’ ……. Anmarie (Kraft) Hoffman & David Desjardine
Margaret Brintnell
Phyllis & All Your Family
So sorry to read about Jerry. Great guy & will be missed by so many people in this community. Cherish all your memories . Memories to share in days to come. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
My Sympathy – Margaret Brintnell
Jim Perry
Phyllis and Family
I am so sorry for your loss of Jerry. I have a fun memory of him and pies at Caven.
Jim Perry
Jim and Mary Dougall
Phyllis, Jim and I were so shocked to hear of Jerry’s passing. We have many memories of the good times we shared together. Thank goodness your kids are still close to you. We can’t be there for you now, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you! Love Jim and Mary.
Peter and Gloria McFalls
Phyllis and families,
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He sure did lots of walking! We will miss him at shuffleboard.
Frank Maas
Randy,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad . Deepest regards to you and your family.
Frank Maas & Family
Rob and Michelle Reid
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jerry was such a great ambassador for our community. He will be missed. 🙏
Laura Stire
Phyllis and family. Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He always had a warm smile for everyone.
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Phyllis and family…we are so sorry to hear about Jerry.
He will definitely be missed in the community.
Our thought and prayers are with you at this time
Al & Helen Denning
Dear Phyllis & family,
We are so very sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband,father, grandfather, & great grandfather.
We will miss him as a great friend for so many years.
We have so many wonderful memories of Jerry from the 1950’s to the present.
Grand Bend days , Cheryl -Anne fries, back in the 50’s and our weddings in September of 1960.
Plus drop in visits over the years
Jerry will be missed by many.
Carol Allister and family
Dear Phyllis and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you during this very difficult time. I have many fond memories of our long-standing friendship that I will always cherish. Keep your memories close ❤️
jack reginald triebner
SO SORRY PHYLLIS TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND JERRY,
I HAVE KNOWN JERRY FOR A LOT OF YEARS
OUR CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY
FROM BETTY BLUE AND JACK TRIEBNER
Eunice
Phyllis and family so sorry to hear of Gerry passing you and Gerry were good neighbors for the years we lived across from youse. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you. Jim and Eunice Aikenhead
Bernice Thompson
Phyllis and Family;
Sincere sympathy to you all in the passing of Jerry.He was a fun guy to be around and I had a lot of fun at Shuffleboard being his partner or his opponent.Jerry will be missed by all who knew him.Cherish all your memories and family times together.
Laura and Don Dixon
Phyllis and Family,
So sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. He was very proud of his family and I enjoyed hearing his stories about family and life. Always a joy see his warm smile. Our condolences go out to you and the family
Don and Laura Dixon
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
Phyllis and family,so sorry to hear about Jerry.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Cheryl
To the Mather’s family
So sorry for your loss, cherish the memories, thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time.
Cheryl & Ernie Warden
Gerald and Elsie Willis
Phyllis and Family
Elsie and I were saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. May memories of better times help sustain you in this difficult time.
Lynne Dobson
Debbie, Phyllis and Family,
My condolences on the loss of Jerry, He was such a kind, gentle soul. Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Lynne
John & Liz Stephens
Our deepest condolences to the family .Jerry will be remembered by his fantastic smile .A real gentleman .
Donna Perry
Phyllis and the whole Family
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was such a great guy and you will really miss him. I know you have a lot of fun wonderful memories to help you through this sad time and give you strength. I have lots of memories also of our times together. Will speak to you soon.
Prayers and hugs Donna
Garry & Diane Desjardine
Dear Phyllis and Family, we are saddened to hear of your loss. Jerry, who was a friend to so many people was well known as a very special person. He has left us all with many, many great memories. May He Rest in Peace.
Evelyn Vincent
Phyllis and family
Sincere sympathy. Jerry will be missed. Always friendly and always helpful.
Donna ( Heywood) Regier
Phyllis and Family
Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing, He was a kind man, always with a smile on his face whenever he met you.l
Glenna Houston
My condolences to the entire Mathers family. Such a gentle soul who will be greatly missed by everyone. Thank you for sharing all the special photos. Had forgot about Jerry and Dennis and their love of Elvis. Hugs.
Mary Draisey
Deepest sympathy in you time of loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
George and Sue Wilson
Phyllis, Debbie and Kevin, Cindy and Richard, Randy and families, heartfelt sympathy on your loss of a wonderful Husband, Dad and Grandpa. Jerry had the biggest smile. He would always wave when he was walking. He was very kind , and cared about people. He and my Dad were great friends…movies, grilled onion sandwiches, stories, laughs. Many happy memories. Jerry loved his family dearly. He would often tell us about his great grandchildren. He was proud of his family. Cherish your precious memories and hold them close to your heart. May your faith, family and friends give you peace and comfort. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson and family…Cathie and Bill Wuerth, Judi Wilson and Adam Dickey, Tracy and Michael DeGroot
Karen L Brown
Mrs. Mathers and Family,
My condolences to all of you. I have such fond memories of Jerry. His smile and stories were always a highlight of any day that included a visit to his store.
Hugs, Karen
Karen Insley Windsor and family
Our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of Jerry. He was a wonderful man, always with a kind smile and time for a chat. He will be missed. May you find comfort in your special memories.
Heather and Tony Armstrong
Phyllis and Family,
We are so sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. We will miss chatting with him and seeing him enjoy the sunny days from the front porch. Please accept our condolences. Peaceful thoughts sent.
Linda Marsden
Always the gentleman, he will be missed
Bill & Pam Reid
Sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great man. Always enjoyed having conversation with him.
Jon & Chelsey Passmore
Phyllis and family,
We are sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We have always enjoyed his friendly waves and chats, as he walked by. He was a kind man with a giant smile. May your memories help you through the coming days and weeks. Sending prayers.
Jon, Chelsey and Taylor Passmore
Bob &Bernice Boogemans
What a shock to hear that Jerry has passed away. Our sympathy to all the family. We will miss our helper at shuffleboard. You will have many memories to share and help you through the sorry. RIP Jerry. Phyllis we will talk soon. Hugs to all. Bob & Bernice
MaryJane Taylor
Phyllis and Family
My Sincere Sympathy in your loss of Jerry.
He was a busy guy repairing equipment at London Life Ins. Co.
He was also so helpful when he had the Office Supply Store.
May all your precious memories be a comfort to you …
Rose Glavin
I am so sorry to hear this news. My sincere sympathy to you all. Jerry was a great man.
Jack and Mary Hogan
Phyillis and family,our thoughts and prayers are with you.Jack and Mary Hogan
Jeff Verhoeven
I’m so sorry for your loss Jerry was a great man and he will missed by so many, my condolences
And deepest sympathy
Jeff & Lori
Don and Edith Lewis
Phyllis and family
We are sorry to see that Jerry has passed.
He will always be remembered for his walking and his big smile.
Cherish all his memories ,
Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
Marg Prout
Phyllis and family…
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. Cherish
all the happy memories that you and Jerry had.
Betty Cronyn
Always happy to visit with Jerry and Phyllis at family gatherings. He had a great sense of humour and always happy when with his family.
Dear Lord bless this man who comes to you, give him peace in his heart and guide him forever.
Tammy Harris
Deb, Kevin, and Family,
Our hearts break to read about Jerry. We always loved seeing him walking through Exeter. One of Exeter’s finest. May you comfort yourselves with memories to last forever and lean on the ones you love.
Scott, Tammy, Chloe and Aiden Harris
Sam and Shelly Toornstra
Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish all your wonderful memories. I will cherish our visits or just his smile when he came in to see Debbie. 💞
Sam and Shelly Toornstra
Larry Taylor
Phyllis and family, I will fondly remember Gerry from his occasional visits to the Cheryl Ann when I worked there for Dennis many years ago and more recently will miss him in my morning walks. Such a wonderful friendly guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike and Jo-Ann Gallagher
To the Mathers family we are sad to hear of your loss.
Jerry was always so happy and friendly to everyone.
Remember seeing Jerry and Phyllis at several casinos enjoying their time together and having fun doing what they loved to do.
Remember the good times
Kendra & Gord Craig
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was always such a friendly man with a big smile! You could always tell how much he loved his whole family. May all of the wonderful memories you have get you through this sad time.
Norah Purser
Randy and family,
So sad to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a kind hearted soul with a wonderful smile. RIP 🌹
Kathy Mann
Phyllis and family. My sincere condolences in the passing of Jerry. He always had a smile on his face and anytime we met we had a catch up visit.
Karri Bentley Danner
I remember that he was a kind person and was always smiling. As a young child I remember our family visits to Exeter. I was sad to hear of the families loss. My thoughts are with all of you. I’m hoping that my dad and Mr. Mathers are catching up and enjoying a drink together up in Heaven.
Marilyn Waldeck
Phyllis and family- it was sad to hear of the loss of Jerry. He was a good man and well thought of in our community. As neighbors when your children were growing up our family remember him well. Always willing to give good service with the business. Hope the good memories you all had over the years will make the path easier for you in the coming days .
Bob & Doris Osgood
Phyllis and family,
We very sadden at the news that Jerry has passed on. Our prayers are that God’s peace and comfort brings you strength during this time.
Virtual hugs,
Bob & Doris
Diane Stephen
To the Mathers and extended families,
So sorry for the loss of Jerry.
He was such a kind and gentle man who always had a smile on his face and was eager to help when I went into his store to get supplies.
May you cherish all of your memories.
Thinking of your family at this sad and difficult time.
Dave and Diane Stephen
Dave DeVries
Sorry to here of your loss my condolences to the family
Ralph and Denise Batten
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Jerry. He will be missed by so many. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Tom and Carol Arthur
Phyllis and Family. Tom and I were very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He always had a big smile for everyone. Our thoughts are with all of you. Enjoy the good memories.