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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

…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

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.