I have uploaded the videos from the memorial service onto Youtube. Make sure to watch them in HD (You’ll have to view in full-screen or on their YouTube page to see them in HD)

You can double click the videos to watch them on YouTube or you can watch them right here!

Enjoy!

For privacy concerns, the Slideshow is unlisted on YouTube, meaning that only those who have been linked to it (such as from the blog) will be able to view it. This may be changed later if other people in the pictures don’t mind this slideshow being found by searching on youtube.

Tuesday, June 8th

On behalf of Jerry’s family, thank you to everyone for attending Jerry’s memorial service and the celebration of his life.  It was truly comforting to be surrounded by people who appreciated  Jerry for the wonderful man he was, and by those who continue to care about Susan, Lucas, Alyse, and the entire family.  I would especially like to thank everyone who came together, contributed in any way they could, and helped pull the whole thing off.  Who could do without neighbours leaving muffins on the doorstep, or  neighbours  like Linda and David who did the yard work, Deidre, Peter and John, who  helped set up the hall, coworkers who brought prepared food to the family throughout Jerry’s illness, friends offering words of comfort on the blog, in cards, and over the phone.  The list is endless, and every act of kindess and love gave strength to us all.  I think that showed at the service, especially when I reflect on Susan’s, Lucas’, and Alyse’s  strength, dignity, and grace throughout the service.  I kept wondering, “How are they doing it?”  But then I looked around, and I knew.   And finally,  thank you Brian Hazelbower, a one-man-miracle- show, for organizing the service, transporting the equipment, setting it up, taking it down, and bringing it home, all while being a welcoming, warm- hearted MC ensuring things ran smoothly on the stage.  All this and a patient attitude and smile, too.

Susan is wanting to extend her gratitude as well in the near future, but is taking some much needed down time before turning her attention to this.  At the moment, she is just taking some time to rest.

Jerry, we all miss you so very much.

In preparation we thought that we would let you know that the June 6^th service will be in two parts.

1.  The Service 2:00 – 3:30pm

2.  The Celebration 3:30 – 5:30pm

During the celebration there will be opportunity for friends and family to share a song, a story or make a toast.

The stage will be readied with 2 vocal mics, 2 acoustic guitars and a keyboard.

If you know you would like to share a song, etc, please send a note to NanaimoMusic@gmail.com with “Jerry” in the subject line just to give us a head’s up.

  Paquette, Gerard Maurice
  June 12, 1949 -  May 21, 2010
 
Born in Duncan, B.C., Jerry  passed away on Friday, May 21st, after 5 months of living bravely and creatively with cancer.  Jerry was an award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician who lived a generous and compassionate life that he lovingly filled with music, good food, and family.  Jerry welcomed, embraced, and inspired those who knew him to pursue their own talents and dreams, and he helped everyone do just that, acting as a mentor for others in the Nanaimo music scene, and through Raincoast Studio, the recording studio he founded.  Jerry will be profoundly missed by Susan, his wife of 30 years, and their children, Lucas and Alyse. Predeceased by his father Urbain (Feb 2009), also left to mourn are his mother, Claire, his siblings, Rita, Ivan (Debbie), Clem (Meiry), Irene, Roger (Donna), Suzanne, Norman and Noella (Paul).  A special thank you to his sister in-law, Shelley Sullivan for her generous support in his care and for keeping everyone informed through the blog. Also many thanks to the doctors and nurses who provided Jerry with such excellent care. A memorial service, followed by a celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Sunday, June 6th at 2 pm at the Bowen Park Auditorium, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo. A Mass to be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church at 301 Machleary Street on Saturday June 12th @ 2pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH or to the Child Development Center.

There’s a saying in show business: “always leave them wanting more.” Never more true. Never more painful.

I’m very  sorry and saddened to tell everyone that our beloved Jerry, loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle,son-and- brother-in-law, and friend died this morning at 11:21 am, peacefully in his sleep, with his beautiful wife,  Susan, my dearest sister, at his bedside, and with his loving family close by.  Jerry died as he had lived–gently, peacefully, with quiet grace,  finally relenting but never giving up.  Jerry clung to life these last few days, determined to savour every moment he had left.  He did rage against the dying of the light, but not with anger–with love.

Rage on, my friend, blazing in love and light

an eternity of fraternity,

I am awaiting your encore.

______________________________________________________

We are planning a Memorial Service for Jerry on Sunday, June 6th,

2 pm, at  the hall at Bowen Park.  Details will be posted on the blog.

10 am

Jerry continues to hang in there and had a comfortable night last night.  He is sleeping all of the time now, and one of us  is always with him.

I Hope that You’ll Remember Me 

A tear falls and runs down

his face as he puts down his guitar.

He looked out at the crowd to speak

to those who’d come so far.

He said, “I’ve sung a million songs

in honky tonks and bars.

Tonight I’ve done my last song,

me and my guitar.

To all you folk who shared your love

and made my life worthwhile,

Thank you now from down in my heart,

I’m crying behind this smile.

I hope that you’ll remember me

when summer sings its song,

time has brought my winter now I haven’t got too long.”

written by Jerry Paquette, 1978

Jerry continues  to hang in there.  Mostly he is sleeping much of the time now, but has brief periods of wakefulness where he is himself and able to have short conversations with his beloveds.  He is comfortable, painfree, and surrounded by love.   Please say prayers for Jerry, and for Susan, Alyse,  Lucas, and Claire.

…now the mornings  come and go

keeping time , the years go quickly ’round

an old man with greying hair

watches as the golden sun goes down

for he’s a dreamer

feels the love of living life

still he knows there’s so much to learn

wonders why the evening sunset burns…

for he’s a dreamer

he’s a dreamer

still a dreamer…

from  He’s A Dreamer,  on the CD Walkin’ Slow by Jerry Paquette

SUNDAY, MAY 9th

Jerry has had a good week since his visit home, but is feeling gradually more tired  and is  up to less activity each day. We’ve been told that sometimes vibrant people like Jerry can  have an upsurge in activity that was not anticipated, and considering Jerry’s creative nature, taking “one more bite” out of life is just like him.  Jerry always has been the kind of guy who does things on his own terms and in his own time.  Jerry is still able to enjoy his visits with Sue, and Lucas and Alyse, and although he’s eating less, he is still eating whatever he wants whenever he wants it.    Most of the time now he is sleeping comfortably, and the staff are ensuring he  remains pain-free, comfortable, and content.  We all are keeping open minds, and  Jerry is leading  the way. I will post more as we know more.

Jerry continues to amaze! He was able to come home yesterday for a day pass (May 2nd).  He had the opportunity to use his walking stick (thanks Peter!) to transfer in and out of a wheelchair. He rested for most of the day on the couch in his studio. Later he was able to have a bit of dinner with the family, including some desert. A good time was had by all!