I found Jerry to be a considerably private man and yet in many ways a man of the world. He was a man of intellect. That is how I remembered our first discussions. My second thought is of his dedication to the kids he taught. I met Jerry many years ago when I first substitute taught at Foothills Composite High School. The teachers I most admired were not only the ones that had perfected the craft of teaching but also had a sincere concern for their students well being. That was the Jerry I knew.
I specifically chose the word perfected because as anyone who knew Jerry, knew his penchant for precision. I’m sure he would have made a superb clock maker for his thought process and movements seemed to have been attuned to an atomic clock.
Perhaps this led him to his love of music and being part of a band. It is something that definitely demands timing. I recall many an evening going to listen to his band practices and I honestly do not remember why. I certainly don’t have that talent. It was probably Jerry trying to get me to expand my horizons beyond just an appreciation of the many genres.
This was also the dawn of the personal computer era. If you wanted an understanding of these novel machines and their peripherals, not just use them as tools, then they, among other things, required user input of a minor programming nature and good deal of personal effort and patience. Once again they were something of monumental precision and accuracy, just up Jerry’s alley. We spent many an hour tinkering with the “beasts” and sharing ideas as computing developed over those early years.
It wasn’t all work. I recall sitting before the television watching soccer games and having the game he grew up with and once played, explained to me. Perhaps the game helped form him and the effort he put into things. It never replaced baseball or basketball in my mind but I eventually became somewhat fond of the beautiful game due in part to Jerry.
A major part of Jerry’s later life was his travels with Sylvia. I can’t speak to that other than saying the planning and execution of these ventures gave him great pleasure as did the regaling of the travels after completion.
Time finally and suddenly ran out on Jerry as his game ended. There was not to be extra time added as often happens in the game of soccer but I suspect he didn’t require more having given his fullest as best he could.
His team is still here, a wonderful family and also a legacy. Of course no small credit can go to Sylvia his forever partner and co-captain in the development of the team. Well played Jerry. Well played.
Sincere condolences to Sylvia, Shereen, Vaughn, Ian, Liz, Rica and the extended family.
Dennis & Hi Burns
