September 22, 1947 - November 6, 2021
Jeremy left this world on Saturday, November 6th after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on September 22, 1947 to John and Audrey Sumner and growing up in Birmingham until 1957 when the family emigrated to Haney, BC. Jeremy grew up riding horses, a passion that remained throughout his life.
At UBC, Jeremy earned a Bachelors in Zoology, where he met Geri (nee Barwell) in third year. Following graduation, they traveled to Europe together and decided to elope in September 1970. They spent a year traveling Europe in a VW van, returning to complete their diplomas in Education.
Completing their practicums in Nanaimo, they decided to stay on when Jeremy and Geri both got jobs at Wellington Secondary. They settled on Gabriola and built their own house over the next 5 years. In 1985, Jeremy moved to Fairview Elementary, teaching there for the next 20 years, retiring in 2005. During his career, "Mr. Sumner" began the salmon enhancement program to teach students about lifecycles and also re-populate the Cat Stream with Coho salmon. He was also known for building rockets with his class and the infamous Rocket Launch Day at Fairview.
Jeremy loved outdoor activities and sports and spent time sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming, skiing, dancing. and ballroom dancing. Raising two children, he volunteered with the Pony Club, Gabriola 4-H Club, and coached retirement, swimming, skating, ballroom dancing and attending the symphony. Jeremy and Geri also both loved traveling and fit in three cruises in their retirement before Jeremy's illness was too much.
Jeremy is survived by his wife of 51 years, Geri, children Robin (Misty), Jackie Farrell (John), grandchildren, Libby, Ronin, Bodhi, and Felix, as well as sisters Nicola (Dyan) and Deborah (Vanamber), and nephews Lucas and Jesse Henderson.
A service will be held at a later date when the family is able to come together.