Kerras T. Jeffery appears
next to one of his folk art pieces. The native of Alma, PEI died on June
1.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Prince Edward Island man who turned
scraps of wood and metal into beautiful art pieces is being remembered this
week for his contribution to the province’s folk art community.
Kerras Trent Jeffery, 51, died at his home in Alma, P.E.I., on June 1.
“I knew him for four years and I came to love him. He was infectious,” says his
friend, Larry Dugdale of French River, who delivered the eulogy at his funeral
Sunday at the E. Gerald Rooney Memorial Chapel in Alberton.
“Kerras is remembered as the finest folk artist that P.E.I. has ever seen. He
is also remembered for his absolute talent.”
Whether it’s the double-headed pigs carvings, the King Tut masks, the Canada
Mountie beaver or the bear sculpture that guards his back door, the artist was
known for his creative, playful spirit.
“Everything he did was made from repurposed materials. He would take an old gun
that had lost his value, carve a moose, put it on the end and call it a moose
gun. He made the Guinness book of World Records for building the largest egg
beater in the world in 2005,” says Dugdale.
With an exhibition in Calgary and a website, his sculptures have been sold “all
over Canada and beyond.” His commissioned work includes pieces created for
Kingsbridge Garden, St. Andrews, N.B.
Jeffery, who ran Back Road Folk Art, also received media attention during his
20-year career. He was featured on “Canadian Pickers,” on CBC Radio with
Shelagh Rogers and in “Saltscapes” magazine, this past Feburary as well as in
The Guardian.
Jeffery, in an
earlier interview, said he gradually got into folk art. “I pinch myself
sometimes. I enjoy what I’m doing. I used to be a labourer, but when I got into
this, it was like a day at the beach,” says Jeffery in the video, “If You Build
It — North Cape Coastal Drive’s Coastal Stories" (see the video below).
The folk artist is survived by his wife, Shirley (nee Hustler) Jeffery and
children Courtney Jeffery (Travis Gaudette) and Corinda Jeffery (Matt
Capicotto) and his special fur baby "Calvin".
Born on April 6, 1966, he was the son of Wilbert and Verna (nee McDowell)
Jeffery of Alberton. A brother to Carter, Robert (Barb), Randy
(Christine), Diane (Glen) Wallace, Kenny (Jody), Darlene (Rheal) Lacroix he is
remembered by his grandmother Empress (late Roy) McDowell, of O'Leary. He is
also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Nick Doucette (Carl), Roy Hustler
(Eleanor), Bernice Costain (Gary), Norma Blacquiere (Arnold), Peter Hustler
(Lorraine), Winnifred Hustler (Ivan), Priscilla Handrahan (Wendell), Barry
Hustler (Rita), Joey Hustler (Darlene), Normie Hustler (Jaunita).
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Peacefully,
at his late residence, on Thursday, June 1, 2017, with the love and
support of his loving family, of Kerras Trent Jeffery, of Alma, aged 51 years.
Beloved husband of Shirley (nee Hustler) Jeffery. Loving father to Courtney
Jeffery (Travis Gaudette) and Corinda Jeffery (Matt Capicotto) and by his
special fur baby "Calvin". Born on April 6, 1966, he was the
cherished son of Wilbert and Verna (nee McDowell) Jeffery of Alberton.
Dear
brother to Carter, Robert (Barb), Randy (Christine), Diane (Glen) Wallace,
Kenny (Jody), and Darlene (Rheal) Lacroix. Lovingly remembered by his
grandmother, Empress (late Roy) McDowell, of O'Leary.
He
is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Nick Doucette (Carl), Roy
Hustler (Eleanor), Bernice Costain (Gary), Norma Blacquiere (Arnold), Peter
Hustler (Lorraine), Winnifred Hustler (Ivan), Priscilla Handrahan (Wendell),
Barry Hustler (Rita), Joey Hustler (Darlene) and Normie Hustler (Jaunita).
He
will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. He
will always be remembered by Dwayne & Crystal, Larry & Jane, Dave &
Dorothy, Blair & Sharon and Gary & Kim.
He
was predeceased by grandparents, Louis and Annie (nee Cannon) Jeffery, father
and mother-in-law, Chester and Mildred Hustler, brother-in-law, Irvie Hustler,
special nephew & nieces, Kameron Cooke, Jenny Lynn Deagle and Jessica Lynn
Hustler.
Resting
at the Rooney Funeral Home, Alberton. Visiting hours Saturday 2:00 to 4:00 and
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Sunday afternoon from the E. Gerald Rooney Memorial
Chapel for funeral service at 4:00 p.m., Rev. Darrach Fagan officiating.
Interment in Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery.
As
an expression of sympathy, memorials to Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery
would be gratefully appreciated.
www.rooneyfh.ca
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