Eugene “Gene” Ray Jespersen
January 11, 1955 - January 18, 2019
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life a later time
Passed peacefully at the age of 64 surrounded by family at Hospice Simcoe, in Barrie Ontario on Friday January 18, 2019.
Gene bravely battled pancreatic cancer for 21 months. He fought hard, right until the end.
He lived life unapologetically and had a big personality, big smile and a big laugh.
He was a lifelong electrician which he loved. He also loved adventures on his Harley, being out in the mountains, hunting with his friends and fishing out on the ocean with his brothers. His pride and joy was being a Papa to his two Grandchildren.
Gene was born January 11, 1955 and raised in Taber, Alberta. He had made a home in both Alberta and Ontario.
He is loved and missed by his daughters Lisa Jespersen (Sean Muscat) and Tanya Wright (Adam Wright), his grandchildren Hudson Wright and Eva Wright, his sister Janice Crandall (Joe), Brothers Les Jespersen (Bonny), David Jespersen (Jill), former spouse Catherine Leahy and many extended family members and friends.
He has joined his parents David and Bernice (Schmidt) Jespersen in heaven.
Gene loved Country music and good old Rock and Roll. He loved Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen. He also loved Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum.
What he wanted most was for everyone to listen to some good music and have a toast to him and his life. So pop one of those on and have a toast to Gene.
The family will be having a private service with a larger service to be held in Taber, Alberta in the summer.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to one of the following:
Pancreatic Cancer Canada
Hospice Simcoe
Southlake Foundation
Stronach Regional Cancer Centre
Melanie Wright
Posted on: Tuesday, January 29, 2019Our family will greatly miss our times with Gene. We had lots of fun at the cottage with Gene last summer. He was a great fisherman, catching and cooking the best salmon. He smoked them just right, so delicious. He fought a very long and hard battle. We are so thankful that he was able to go on many outings with Tanya, Adam and the grandchildren….and the rest of us. As sick as he was…the last week of his life, all he had to do was look at his precious grandchildren, Hudson & Eva, and he would break out into a smile. We will keep Gene’s memory alive to this precious little ones by always talking about the good times we had. He has left a hole in our hearts..but we know that he is looking down on all of us and guiding us in some sort of way. Gene told me to enjoy life, as it is not that long……..do everything you want to do, as you may not get the time to do it. Wise words to live by. Miss you.
David Wright
Posted on: Tuesday, January 29, 2019Gene is greatly missed. We shared many great family times over the last couple of years. We will all be thinking of him at the cottage and we will miss him out hunting. The loves of his life were his two girls and his grandchildren. Rest In Peace Gene, you sure gave it one good fight, rest easy. We will watch over the family…..
Jean MacLean
Posted on: Tuesday, January 29, 2019Janice and Joe, so sorry about Gene’s death, though you knew it was imminent. Though we didn’t get to know him that well, you could tell he was a man who loved life. You were both a brother and father to him, so his death must be so difficult. Blessings and condolences to you all. Jean and Neil.
Laurie Castron
Posted on: Wednesday, January 30, 2019Toasting Gene along with some great memories of family times especially at Canada’s Wonderland. Louis still talks about Gene’s Japanese chicken wings at the wonderful Christmas Eve parties the Jespersen’s hosted in Bradford over the years.
Take care of each other as you honour Gene keeping his spirit alive in your hearts! Hugs Laurie xo
Rick and Nancy Sawatzky
Posted on: Wednesday, January 30, 2019Gene was a wonderful friend. My husband worked with him in Ft McMurray and we camped with him at our sons race. He was a great story teller and was easy to talk too. We were so lucky to have him as a friend. He will be missed.