Strathmore bids farewell to a gem

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Jerry Bizot wore many hats. He was a husband, a father, a baker, a pizza delivery person, a lifeguard, wood carpenter, long-time volunteer firefighter, delivered the Strathmore Times since day one, and was most commonly recognized in the town as Santa Claus. Then last week, surrounded by his family, Jerry passed away peacefully in the town he so dearly loved.
“I don’t think there is probably a person in this town that doesn’t know of him,” said Jerry’s wife Jean Bizot.
“He was a very passive person, very easy, very laid back, and people thought the world of him. He was very much full of life. He just loved being with people and we talked about moving away lots of times, but he said ‘my roots are here. Why would I want to move away?'”
Jerry emigrated from the Netherlands when he was only 14 years old. Although he was trained to be a lifeguard, it didn’t take long for Jerry to become a baker in his parents’ establishment – the Strathmore Bakery, located where Rocky’s Bakery is now. It was on those front steps that then 19-year-old Jerry had his first encounter with Jean, unaware at the time it would turn into a 50-year-long love affair.
“I was about 14 years old and I was coming up town from school to get some school stuff … and he was standing there with his girlfriend at the time, and I saw him and said to the girlfriend that was with me, look at that guy,” recalled Jean with a chuckle.
“She looked at me and said ‘he’s too old for you … and besides you’re too young to be looking at boys. When we came across the street, I looked up at him and said, ‘some day you and I will be married.’ Well his dad started to laugh like you would not believe. Jerry said he never forgot that.”
Several years later, Jean proved everyone right. The two married 48 years ago and were soon joined by their three children, Gerald, Robert, and Sandra-Jean. Having worked for Alberta Arches and Beams as a carpenter, and later at the Calgary Co-op in Strathmore, Jerry became quickly known as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and provide hugs when he felt one was necessary.
While he delivered for Boston Pizza upon his retirement and later the Strathmore Times, it was his Santa costume that had him run all over town.
“Jerry was a proud member of this community,” said Mario Prusina, publisher and editor of the Strathmore Times. “From the first day we opened the Strathmore Times, Jerry dedicated his time and efforts distributing our paper to various drop locations in town. He never missed a day of work and planned vacations so it wouldn’t affect his job. He was a part of the Strathmore Times family.
“Even with his tremendous work ethic to the Times, Jerry still found time to volunteer in the community. Each year Jerry and Jean would dress as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and bring the Christmas spirit to children in our area. He was an integral part of the Celebration of Light Christmas Park and the parade. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the paper and around town.”
According to Jean, Jerry’s transformation to Strathmore’s Santa Claus started out as a joke. He used to volunteer with the fire department and pick up the former Santa Claus with the fire truck to bring him into town. When the position became available, he jumped at the opportunity. From visiting kids’ homes, to taking pictures in Kinsmen Park, Santa Claus made an appearance for 30 years at the Strathmore Market Patch, Twins and Triplets in Calgary, Strathmore’s Foster Children’s Association, the Lyalta Christmas family concert, and Strathmore’s Celebration of Lights – sometimes up to 20 appearances a day.
“From everyone at the Celebration of Lights Christmas Park, Jerry (Santa) will be greatly missed, as Jerry and Jean were a part of the Christmas Park when we started seven years ago,” said Rose Hamrlik, president for the Celebration of Lights Christmas Park.
“Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus drew hundreds of families to the Christmas Park on opening nights and Christmas eve with many presents being given away. The smiles, laughter, and great times will always be remembered.”
Jerry was 73 years old when he passed away on Aug. 26.