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eulogy
Gerald William Clark… That was his full given name, but we all knew him as Gerry. …and that's Gerry with a "G", not with a "J", as he would continuously have to remind people throughout his life. In fact, when he was blessed with a son of his own, he bestowed the same name upon him, but this time spelled it with a "J". I'm guessing he did this so that young Jerry wouldn't have to spend a lifetime trying to teach people how to correctly spell his name. That's just how considerate Gerry was. My earliest memories of Gerry date back to about 30 years ago when he first started dating my sister Vicki. I was only 5 years old at the time, and Gerry gave me a ride on his motorcycle. It was my very first motorcycle ride and, of course, instantly made Gerry my personal hero. In fact, in my eyes, Gerry was more than a hero. He was more like a super-hero. He was literally strong enough to lift me above his head with just one arm. And I just thought he was so cool. I so much looked up to him, and I so much wanted to be like him. Gerry really had a different way of doing everything. He had his own very unique style. For example, if Gerry wanted to write himself a reminder, he wouldn't bother with paper. No, no… He would use a marker and write directly on the windshield of his truck… while he was DRIVING. What was brilliant about it was that he would use one of those dry erase markers that you use on a white board, so it would wipe off effortlessly. Definitely unique… Definitely different… but very, very effective. One message that you would probably find up there often was, "Buy flowers for Vicki". He truly adored his wife, and he never let her forget it. Gerry also had a special way with glue. Yes, glue… I almost think that the term Gerry-rigged, was named after him. I mean the guy would glue anything to anything. If he felt that any two objects belonged together, there was a very good chance the Gerry would actually glue them together. I'm surprised he didn't glue the kids together, just so it would be easier to keep track of them. Anyway, I could go on and on about Gerry's uniqueness and I'm sure you all have your own memories of the things that made him so unique. As I grew older, I watched first hand as Gerry made the transition from being a somewhat wild teenager, to being a truly devoted husband and loving father…and I continued to be amazed by him. He worked so hard to provide for his family, and took a great interest in everything that Vicki or the kids were involved with. Gerry always remained young at heart and always seemed to be able to connect with young people, just as he did with me when I was young. I think the great number of young people who are in this church today are evidence of that. Mindy, Ginger, and Jerry have many, many great friends and I know that Gerry considered them all to be his friends too. He was just simply a great Dad. As we all search for answers, I'm left to wonder why this would happen to such a wonderful family. Then I look at the kids… Mindy, Ginger, and Jerry: It's obvious that your parents have done a fantastic job in raising you. …and that your father, throughout your whole life, mostly by his loving example, has taught you all that you really need to know. He has taught you to love and respect one another, and to always be there for each other. It's no secret to anyone in this room just how proud he was of each of you. So I think that maybe your Dad is gone now, just maybe, because his work here is done. He has given you everything you need to make it in this world. You have each other, and he really has "glued" you together. I promise we're all going to get through this. I love you guys. So to Gerry (that's Gerry with a "G"): |
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