Story By Norma Galambos & Diane Harris
Jerry Heinbigner grew up on the family farm in the Hague district. When his father passed away, he continued to help his mother on the farm. He attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon in 1967, obtaining his barber/hairstylist certificate. In 1968 he operated a barbershop in Hague.
That year Jerry married Shirley Friesen, whom he met when she moved to Hague from Saskatoon when she was in grade twelve. Her parents had purchased her grandparents’ farm near Hague.
Soon after, the young couple had an opportunity to move to Leask. In 1969 Jerry’s sister, Gladys and brother-in-law, Ray, purchased the bowling alley and hired Jerry and Shirley as managers. Jerry set up a shop within the facility and began his fifty-one-year career as a barber in Leask.
Jerry kept his prices affordable. His original price for a haircut was $1.00 for adults, $.75 for students, and $.50 for kids. The cost of a haircut in 2020 was $10.00. In the early years, Saturday nights were especially busy at the bowling alley/barbershop as stores stayed open late, and everyone came to town.
In 1974, when the bowling alley was sold, Jerry built a barbershop on Main Street, which opened in 1975.
Shirley worked at the Royal Bank and McHansons’ Hardware Store. In 1990 the barbershop housed a Sears office with Shirley as the Catalogue Agent until her retirement in 2005.
Jerry accommodated his clients’ schedules. They often booked last-minute appointments when they saw him on the street or at coffee row.
He gave the youngsters a five-stick pack of Juicy Fruit gum as a treat after a haircut. They were anxious to get their haircut so they could get the gum. Jerry recalls kids eating the entire pack by the time their dad finished getting his haircut. He continued giving out five-stick packs of Juicy Fruit until they were no longer available in Canada. Jerry then began giving a bag of chips to his young clients. Client's loved the sweet little lock of hair and certificate that Jerry gave for their child’s first hair cut. These thoughtful gestures left a lasting impression on many people. Clients travelled from many communities or returned after moving away to get their hair cut by Jerry.
In 1987 - 1988, Chris Donohue apprenticed with Jerry in order to obtain her Journeyman’s License as a hairdresser.
Jerry was active in the community serving on the village council for two terms and the Wheatland Lodge and Leask Medical Clinic Committee. Jerry is an avid golfer and was on the club board. He served thirty-five years with the Fire Department and forty-three years with the Lions Club. Jerry and Shirley participated in the "Street Dramas" held during the homecoming celebrations. In retirement, Shirley has been a member of the Lutheran Ladies Quilting Club, the Legion Quilting Club and the Wheatland Lodge Auxiliary.
Together they raised two sons; Carey, born in 1971 and Dean in 1974, who now reside in Moose Jaw. Jerry and Shirley have three grandchildren: Brooke, Keira and Jesse.
Jerry’s Barber Shop remained open until March 18, 2020, when the province implemented closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A compromised immune system due to asthma led Jerry to decide to retire.
In some families, five generations share memories of going to Jerry’s for a haircut. His clients feel a bit lost without him.
Over the past 51 years, Jerry greeted his clients in a warm and friendly manner. He genuinely cared about the issues people had on their minds. Jerry patiently listened to countless stories and offered support and encouragement.
Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement.
"I would like to thank my many loyal clients from the local and surrounding communities who supported me over the past 51 years. Not only were you my clients, but I think of you all as my friends". Jerry
Comments
I do believe my dad Willard Jupe helped me buy my first car, from Jerry. It was a brown Buick LaSabre.
Enjoy your retirement.
Barb Johnson