Rudolf "Jerry" Gerald Mayer

Jerry, or “Gerry” as he was known publicly, passed away surrounded by family on 7 September 2026 – he was 89. Jerry was born on 19 August 1937 in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. Jerry “Toots” was the second youngest of four children born to Myrtle Mary and John Mayer and grew up on the family farm near Frobisher, Saskatchewan. Following Jerry’s graduation from Frobisher High School in 1955, he found work as a roughneck on drilling rigs in the oil fields of southeast Saskatchewan. Soon thereafter, Jerry became a truck driver and installer for Sturdie Propane first in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, then in Calgary, Alberta. It was while working for Sturdie Propane in Calgary in 1956 that he met the love of his life Maureen Warren.

Not long after meeting Maureen, Jerry, then nineteen, joined the Calgary Police Service on 15 February 1957, Reg. #1125. Shortly after, Jerry and Maureen married on 3 August 1957 and during their young married lives they raised five children, Gregory, Stephen, Jeffrey, Norma and Michelle. Jerry’s number one priority was always his family – if he was not working a shift, then he was building this or fixing that for any number of them in the concrete and cinder block garage he built with the help of his three sons.

Jerry, or “Hoss” as he was commonly referred to by his fellow officers, had a remarkable career during his 33 year tenure with the Calgary Police Service. Jerry’s innate leadership qualities were recognized early on by his superiors and was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 15 August 1971. Then on 15 February 1973, Jerry was promoted to Sergeant where he worked in B District as both a District Sergeant and a Zone Sergeant. In 1980, Jerry transferred to B District GIS as a plain clothes Detective. In 1981, Jerry was promoted to Staff Sergeant in District 1 followed by a transfer to District 6 GIS in 1983. In 1985, Jerry transferred to the Arrest Processing Unit where he retired as Staff Sergeant on 18 February 1990. Former colleagues describe Jerry as “tough but fair” - calling them out when they deserved it, but also giving them kudos when they were due.

Around the same time as Jerry’s retirement from the Calgary Police Service, he bought then Chief Brian Sawyer’s 1989 Harley Davidson Tour Glide Classic Motorcycle that was for sale on consignment at Kane’s Motor Cycle Shop. Thereafter, Jerry became a proud member of the Harley Owner’s Group (HOG) and joined the Calgary Chapter of the Cal-Tex Riders Club, whose members were both current and retired law enforcement personnel on both sides of the 49th parallel who enjoyed both riding to and gathering at various Canadian and US destinations. During his retirement, Jerry and Maureen went on numerous journeys together on the Harley Davidson, including to the southern United States and West Coast of Canada. By the time Jerry retired from riding, he had ridden his Harley Davidson over 136,000 kilometers.

It was also during his retirement that Jerry first learned basic Blackjack strategy “according to Hoyle” and then went on to master it during visits to various casinos in town and even during a few trips to Las Vegas with some of his adult children following Maureen’s untimely passing at age 71 on 21 October 2008.

Jerry’s other travel highlights following Maureen’s passing included two trips to Toronto to watch his favorite ball team the Blue Jays play the New York Yankees and to Inverness, Cape Breton to spend summer holidays with Norma, Stan and Geri.

Anyone who knew Jerry, likely bore witness to his lack of patience and zero tolerance for ignorance and incompetence. In other words, Jerry did not suffer fools gladly and was never afraid to let it be known, especially if a player at the same Blackjack table as him dared to “surrender” a hand, or “stand” on a sixteen against a dealer’s ten.

Jerry will always be remembered for his integrity and courage across all aspects of his life, which will never be forgotten. Jerry will be sorrowfully missed by the people whose lives he touched so deeply and dearly, including son Gregory (Wendy), son Stephen (Albina), son Jeffrey (Laurie), daughter Norma (Stanley) Mayer-Judson, daughter Michelle (Perry) Richelhoff, daughter-in-law Anna, grandchildren Jessica (Ben) Greenhow, Thomas (Claire) Mayer, Melissa Mayer, Melanie (Ryan) Middleton-Hope, Alicia Mayer, Geri (Michael) Mayer-Judson, and great-grandchildren Lydia Greenhow, Liam Greenhow and Brooklyn Middleton-Hope, in-laws, nieces and nephews, extended family members, friends and neighbors. Jerry was predeceased by his wife Maureen, his parents John and Myrtle Mayer and siblings Audrey Pylychaty, Robert “Bob” Mayer and Katherine “Kathy” Thompson. Jerry will be sadly missed by all who knew him. To honour Jerry’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cheers, Jerry.

* This obituary has been authorized by the family of Jerry Mayer for posting on the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services  website. Reproduction or redistribution without prior consent is prohibited.

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