Fleur Blanche

In memory of

Gerald Alexander Joanisse

1947 - 2026

Gerald Alexander Joanisse

Jan 14, 1947 – Oct 17. 2026

 

Heaven welcomed him into God’s presence on October 17th, 2026, at the Carefor Hospice, Cornwall. He was surrounded by his loving family: his wife Pat, daughter Shari and his ever-present dog Faith.

He was known as Jerry by his friends throughout Canada and the US. Staff and cadets from the 325 Squadron as well as all of those he mentored throughout Canada Cadet Camps over the past 50 years, knew him as Captain J.

He was predeceased by his parents Omer and Dorothy and his sister Carolyn.

His life overflowed with faithfulness and service to others. Jerry was a great storyteller, mechanic and most of all a Brother-in-Christ.

Family will receive friends at 11:00am, on Saturday, October 31st, followed by a service at 1:00pm at the Cornwall Wesleyan Church, 730 Sydney Street, Cornwall, a church he loved.

Matthew 25:23

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Sympathy Messages

I’ve known Jerry since I was a teenager, when our paths first crossed through the Cadet movement in Cornwall. Jerry had served as Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) of RCSCC Stormont, while I served as Squadron Warrant Officer (SWO) at 325 Cornwall Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. We shared an understanding of the responsibilities that came with those appointments, and it was the beginning of a friendship that would last more than five decades. Jerry was an enthusiastic marksman with a keen interest in shooting sports. I later recruited him into the Cadet Instructors List (CIL) as a Range Officer, and years later, our paths crossed again when he served at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre in British Columbia while I was Commanding Officer. Jerry went on to devote much of his life to the Air Cadet movement, serving as an officer, Commanding Officer and dedicated volunteer. His more than 50 years of service helped shape generations of young Canadians. His dedication was fittingly recognized in 2024 with national honours from the Air Cadet League of Canada. But beyond the uniforms, appointments and years of service, what I will remember most is Jerry himself. We shared a history that stretched from our teenage years into retirement, with all the memories, experiences and friendships that come with a lifetime of knowing someone. There is something very special about friendships that endure for so many years, and Jerry was part of a chapter of my life that I will always treasure. I had been looking forward to seeing Jerry during my visit to Cornwall this past week. Sadly, that visit was not to be. I will miss the opportunity to sit together, reminisce about the old days and share a few laughs. My warmest and most heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Pat, his daughter, Shari, and all his extended family and friends. I hope they find comfort in knowing how much Jerry was respected, appreciated and remembered by those whose lives he touched. Rest easy, old friend. Thank you for the years of friendship, the shared memories and your lifetime of service. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Free

May my support warm your heart

- HCol Steven Deschamps CD, on October 22, 2026

My prayers go out to Pat,and Shari. I hope Faith is a comfort to all. Gerry, Pat and Shari have been my extended family over the last few years. With open hearts the welcomed me in for dinners . Gerry assisted me with his knowledge on safety ,care and transferring of ownership of things in my dad's estate. It was such a pleasure meeting Gerry and Faith out shopping , he will be missed by Faith. She just would light up to be near Gerry. Hugs 💜 . Pat and Shari have both worked so hard to make Gerry"s journey the best possible, devoting hours to his care.Sending blessings .

- Heather Irwin, on October 22, 2026

My sincere condolences. We met at the with wheel many moons ago, heaven has gained a good man.

- Trotman Brenda, on October 23, 2026

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