Dear Joyce, Andrea, Richard and family:
My heart is very, very heavy today with the news of Jerry's passing. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour and a love of fastball. I was able to umpire with him on a number of occasions in Au Sable and he was a great student of the game.
Whenever, I pulled into the Au Sable ballpark, I would always seek out Jerry underneath the tree by the river down the right field line. I hope that the folks in Au Sable Forks dedicate that area as "Jerry's Corner". Even when I left umpiring and gave a try at coaching, Jerry remained a friend. When I was upset on the diamond one time with a call he was the first to get to me and calm me down. How could you be upset with Jerry putting his arm around you and gently walking you away from the diamond? You couldn't.
I know Jerry's, watching that gapper go to the fence, taken off his mask and headed for third to help out his umpiring partner to make that last big call. In fastball we are always referring to "outs". In Jerry's case we refer to "in's" In good spirits, in good humour, in position, in the game and now....in our hearts, minds and thoughts.
God bless Jerry. We will miss him but we will never, ever, forget him.
Joyce, we are thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. May God be with you to lend you strength and that you will take comfort form the friends and family of you and Jerry who are here to support you.
Shawn Williams
Ottawa ON
CANADA
