Obituary of Jacques Charles Serez

In loving memory of Jacques (Jack) Serez

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6

Jacques Charles Serez, aged 92, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of 65 years to Esther Serez, and cherished father of five: Ron Serez of Walkerton; Fred and Catherine Serez of Waterloo; Philip and Robyn Serez of Kitchener; Christina and Stephan Bregy of Pratteln, Switzerland; and David Serez of Holland Landing. He was a proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren: Jordan and Cheryl Serez, Brendan Serez, Bethany and Brendan Carroll, Breanne Serez and Brady Ališauskas, Kaitlyn Serez and Mathew Kapp, Joshua Serez, Judah Serez, Annie Serez, Sofia Serez and Justin Mawle, Ben Serez, Renée Serez, Fiona and Daniel Dorman, James and Sarah Serez, Christian and Sarah Serez, Elena Bregy, and Valentina Bregy. He was also a doting great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren: Gideon, Gabriel, and Juniper Serez; Killian, Logan, and Mackenzie Carroll; and Philip and Ethan Dorman.

Born on June 8, 1932, in Le Landeron, Switzerland, to Marcel and Hélène Serez, Jacques was a skilled carpenter who immigrated to Canada in 1954. Soon after, he founded Serez Remodelling, a contracting business he led with integrity and dedication for over 40 years until his retirement. In 1960, Jacques married Esther Schmid, and the couple made their home in the GTA, where they lived for 60 years and were active members of Willowdale Baptist Church. Jacques served in many capacities within the church—from overseeing the construction of a new facility to serving on the Board for over a decade. A man with a servant’s heart and an adventurous spirit, he also participated in numerous building projects in Zambia, Ecuador, and Quebec, supporting communities in need. In 2020, Jacques and Esther moved to Luther Village on the Park in Waterloo to be closer to family. Known for his steadfast faith, a commitment to serve and his deep love for family, Jacques leaves a legacy that will be cherished by many in Canada, Switzerland, and beyond.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, Ontario. A Reception will follow the service in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. A private graveside service will follow at Orangeville Greenwood Cemetery in Orangeville, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or memorial donations to The Salvation Army may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.

“This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through,

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

They’re all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know,

My Savior pardoned me, and now I onward go;

I know He’ll take me through, though I am weak and poor,

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”