In memoriam: + Slavko ‘Steve’ Jerat

It is with profound sadness that the family of Slavko (Steve) Jerat announce his passing on March 4, 2026, at the age of 78. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert, Alberta following a long but courageous battle with dementia. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Slavko will be deeply missed by his family, many friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Slavko is survived by his soulmate and loving wife of 40 years, Gwen and their children, Anita (Richard), Sandra (Peter), and Steven (Sandy); grandchildren, Joshua, Abby, Maddy, Luka, Dario, and Aiden, as well as several nieces and nephews both in Canada and Croatia.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jakov and Antica Jerat; his brothers, Mile and Ive Jerat; sisters in law, Marija Jerat, Zorka Jerat, and Marie Boone; nephew, Boško Jerat; and father in law, Daniel MacMullin.

Slavko was born February 10, 1948 in Šibenik, Croatia and came to Canada from Murter, Croatia in 1965. He started a successful painting business working for many prestigious home builders, which involved the painting of many custom estate homes in St. Albert, Edmonton, and surrounding areas. He built a reputable business and was well respected by colleagues and customers alike.

He had a lifelong love of soccer, which filled his life with purpose and great friendships. Friday evenings were soccer nights and a time he always looked forward to after a hard week of work. He enjoyed the camaraderie of soccer and the social time spent with friends after the games.

Sailing was a true passion. He took great joy in sharing his love of sailing with family and friends. He was a skilled captain on the water, sailing his boat “Bog Diga”. His most memorable sailing adventures took place on the Adriatic Sea along the coast and islands of Croatia. Many trips were made with friends and others who became friends afterwards. Sailing created countless cherished memories.

Slavko leaves us with an inspiring legacy of love, loyalty, kindness, compassion, and determination.

A Prayer Service will be held at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive St. Albert, AB T8N 1G1, on March 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Albert Catholic Parish, 7 St Vital Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1 on March 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Special thanks to all those that cared for him, especially those at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation, 201 Boudreau Road, St. Albert, AB, T8N 6C4 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.