Obituary of Jerome Alvin Hammersmith

Dr. Jerome “Jerry” Hammersmith
 October 10, 1938 -December 19, 2021

Jerry passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on December 19, 2021 at the age of 83.

 He was predeceased by his youngest child, his son Jamie Hammersmith. His parents; Allie (Alvin) & Molly Hammersmith, nephews Duncan MacPherson & Bobbie MacPherson, brother-in-law Rod Booth and life long friend who was like Jerry’s brother; Rod Hope.

 Born in Melfort and raised in Gronlid, Saskatchewan. Jerry earned B.Ed. (with Great Distinction) and M.Ed degrees from the University of Saskatchewan in 1968 and 1971. After being diagnosed with MS, he earned a D.Ed Degree from the University of South Africa in 2007. In addition to research and study, he spent his years following the diagnosis with MS, writing fiction and nonfiction, publishing a textbook in 2010 & a novel in 2018.

 Often describing his career as a “series of adventures”, Jerry, after growing up in Gronlid and on a farm, spent time as a logger, miner, painter and SPC Lineman. After University, he worked with Canadian First Nations, Metis and Inuit Indigenous people in the Mid-North, the Arctic and right across Canada. He also spent time with New Zealand Maori/Pacific Islanders and Zimbabwe Shona/Ndebele Indigenous peoples. He spent time as a bush pilot and owner/operator of tourist fishing camps. He taught in Saskatchewan and New Zealand Universities as well as in First Nation Forums, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and Dumont Technical Institute.

 Jerry’s work included freelance independent teaching and research at the intermediate, secondary and tertiary levels. It also included public policy development in the educational, social, economic, health, cultural, housing, governance and justice sectors at community, regional, provincial, national and international levels.

 Hammersmith also served as a Saskatchewan Provincial Cabinet Minister and a Territorial Deputy Minister in NWT. His work in Indigenous communities modeled the post-imperial values and consent, mutual recognition and cultural continuity. Dr. Hammersmith also taught and practiced entrepreneurship, economic, small business management, community development and training of trainers in Indigenous communities provincially, territorially, nationally and internationally, using approaches that assured institutionalization of the technology in client communities.
 In retirement together, Jerry and Joan delighted in the company of family, particularly grandchildren, and friends, traveling widely across Canada and abroad.

Survived by his loving wife Joan Hammersmith; his sisters Karen Booth and Lynda MacPherson and their families of Saskatoon SK. his children; daughter Shannon Rodgers (Shaun) of White Rock BC; granddaughters Roberta McMorran (Joshua Lait) and Sarah Rodgers; daughter Renee Hammersmith (Todd Sutherland) of Saskatoon; granddaughters Maria and Haley Sutherland; son Jody Hammersmith (Krystal) of Prince Albert, SK granddaughters Avaley and Avaira Hammersmith; daughter in law Cheyanna Campbell (Jonathan Hunt) of Saskatoon SK grandchildren Maggie Campbell, Annika and Micheal Hammersmith, Oliver and Elliot Hunt. Step-daughter Jennifer Mahlberg (Kevin) and grandchildren Chad Mahlberg (Alicia) great granddaughter Eva. Kristopher Mahlberg(Cassandra) great grandchildren; Luca, Cohen and Brooklyn. Gabriel Mahlberg, Joseph Mahlberg and Cameron Bird. Stepson Justin Thorsteinson (Chomony Southichack), grandchildren; Justin Thorsteinson Jr. and Asia Southichack. Also surviving Jerry; his nephews Rod Booth, Bill (Wanita) Booth, Warren (Rhonda) Booth and Derrick MacPherson and their families. Shelby Sheppard (mother of Shannon) and Bernice Daigneault (mother of Renee, Jody and Jamie).

At Jerry’s request cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.