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.
Unfortunately, I know I won’t be able to make it to the service. My heart goes out to Susan, Luke, Alyse and family in what I know must be an incredibly difficult time. Always think of the good times, and remember him with a smile.
Much love,
~Steph
By: Stephanie on May 21, 2010
at 5:24 pm
Rest in peace Jerry, and I know you will be at your service along with the rest of us.
By: sherry on May 21, 2010
at 5:56 pm
Thank you for the gift of Jerry…love for family, friends, deep joy, peace and music…
By: Sarah M. Wood on May 21, 2010
at 7:04 pm
Choking back tears
Looking through the forest to the sea and the sky
Beautiful Rhododendrons in the foreground
Times like these are tough but full of beauty.
Jerry brought us beauty.
His illness focused our energy on him each other which has been in itself a beautiful thing.
We have Jerry to thank for a lot of gifts that we will cherish for ever. Little things and big things that are just there in the other room with Jerry sitting beside them in a big chair.
See you later old friend.
Love to all.
John
By: John Capon on May 21, 2010
at 7:20 pm
Most sorry to hear it, we will miss him so very much. Our hearts go out to Susan, Lukas, Alise, Shelly and the rest of the family. Thank you for sharing him with us. If you need anything, help with the memorial or anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Love to all,
Sandy & Steve
By: Sandy Jasper & Steve Tozer on May 21, 2010
at 7:46 pm
Goodbye Jerry,the book is closed,but hardly ended.Jerry Part11 has begun and will never end.Ed Sullivan.
By: ed sullivan on May 21, 2010
at 8:44 pm
Jerry , I’ll miss peaceful times tracking with you and Bailey . Fresh coffee and tea , snacks from McLean’s and good music . Sail on , pal .
By: David Gogo on May 22, 2010
at 1:53 am
I’ll miss Jerry so much, as will we all. He has given so much – all of which will carry on in all of us. Love to you all. Guy
By: Guy Massey on May 22, 2010
at 3:30 am
I am sitting in a beautiful sidewalk cafe by the harbor just north of Amsterdam as i read this shockingly inevitable news. I don’t care too much what the locals think of my public display of emotion as my eyes brim with tears and my heart is racing in my chest, but I am firm in my belief that death is but a doorway, and someday we will all meet again, somewhere, somehow.
Goodbye and farewell my friend Jerry. You touched my life in a huge way and your gentle love and grace will always be treasured in my memories.
I will be there for your family, and offer them all the warmth, affection and support that you so generously gave to me and mine.
God bless and Godspeed,,,,,,,,,,, until we meet again.
Yours Truly, Darrel
By: darrel delaronde on May 22, 2010
at 6:44 am
Goodbye sweet friend. Hugs to all the lovely Paquette family. I have music in my heart for you, and thanks to you. I feel you smiling and loving all of us still.
Narissa
By: narissa on May 22, 2010
at 8:14 am
Au revoir, Jerry. I cannot find the words to express what I am feeling. I can only – humbly – say, “thank you so much, Jerry, for blessing us with your presence, your patience, your talent, your encouragement.” My very best and biggest love to Jerry’s family and friends. xo
By: Lynn Redford on May 22, 2010
at 9:19 am
Goodbye to this talented man with the big heart , who gave back so much to his community. I think of the countless times Jerry donated his time and sound equipment to a charity fundraiser, and always with no fanfare. It needed to be done, so he did it.
His quiet and generous way of giving, and his dedication to helping local musicians, will be sorely missed.
Joan
By: Joan Wallace on May 22, 2010
at 9:29 am
Dearest Sue, Alyce and Lucus
He lived ,he laughed ,he loved…and this world will never, ever be the same..Jerry’s gentle presence was a blessing for us all. Our hearts and love go out to each of you today. May you be surrounded by peace and comfort at this very sad time..We will be @ the Memorial service on June 6th.
with warmth, love and grace,
holding you in the light
Marla and Patrick
By: Marla Jardine on May 22, 2010
at 10:00 am
I am saddened by Jerry’s passing. We lost another beautiful human being to the afterlife. It makes me think, why is it always the good guys? Or does it just seem that way? To the family I am very sorry for your loss. To Jerry, thanks for everything. My memories of the short time we worked together are the best. I’m just sad you had to go so soon but I guess now you’re making music in the cosmos.
Bye my friend. Be at peace.
By: jeffrey randle on May 22, 2010
at 10:26 am
God bless Jerry! A truly wonderful entertainer who touched so many lives! We are so saddened by the news and our hearts go out to his family!
Jerry will truly be missed!
By: Ron & Cathy McCaffrey on May 22, 2010
at 11:19 am
I miss you already – you gave it your best shot, good on you.
dennis
By: dennis lakusta on May 22, 2010
at 11:28 am
Even though I knew it was coming, I am numb and there’s a big lump in my throat. Hard to believe that our dear Jerry is no longer with us physically, but will always be in our hearts. Too good for this world!
God’s peace and comfort to Susan, Lucas and Alyse and the rest of his wonderful family. It’s an honour to have been his friend. Sleep on, dear brother.
Howie and Vi James
By: howie james on May 22, 2010
at 12:14 pm
No words left, just tears …we send our love and impart peace to all the family at this incredibly sad
time, knowing there is joy on the other side and Jerry always carried that!
With Prayers & Love
alice, scott,camille
By: alice on May 23, 2010
at 8:26 am
Goodbye dear friend.
By: Doug Dodd on May 23, 2010
at 4:27 pm
Tears are running down my face into a smile as I think of all of the good times and special moments that involved Jerry. He was so very blessed to have his dedicated friends and family with him in this journey. He will be missed by his friends from the Dingy Dock years, you all know who you are. I feel so very thankful that Jerry was able to make it to my 40th last year…that is how I will remember him, with his cool black hat rakishly tilted, laughter in his eyes and that great huge smile on his face. Rest In peace my friend.
By: Jolene Shaw on May 25, 2010
at 10:57 am
You will missed Jerry… and always remembered. My love and thoughts to Lucas, Alyse and Susan.
By: Dan Livingstone on May 25, 2010
at 3:54 pm
You will always be a part of our lives Our prayers and thoughts to Susan, Lucas , Alise, Claire, Roger, Ivan and all the Paquette family.
By: Vivian Cameron on May 26, 2010
at 12:52 am
My heart is broken. The tears will not stop. Susan…….Lucas……Alyse…there are no words that I might find to help…though I would do ANYTHING. Jerry has gone on ahead to make the other side a better place for us, as he did on this side…..and to write the songs we’ll sing in our dreams. Stay in tune my brother…we’ll play together again very soon. I wish I could tell you how much I love you…….how much I miss you….how much we all miss you……………. Your brother, Tom
By: Tom Dodge on May 26, 2010
at 12:18 pm
“So long old friend. I’m gonna miss you like crazy” he said wiping a tear from his eye.
By: Brent Boehler on May 31, 2010
at 8:47 am