His Story

Jerome Gordon Howell

Jerry told the story of his early years from his birth in 1930 until 1971 in his resumes. Parts that are italicized are comments I remember him making.

Detroit 1930 -1943

I was born on May 18, 1030 to Everett and Jean Howell. Ev worked for the U.S. Immigration Service. Jean quit her job during the pregnancy. I was the first child of two (and not excited about having a sister). Jean never worked outside the home again. We lived quite well considering those were the years of depression. There was little “church” in our lives, but I believe I was baptized in the Episcopal Church as an infant; I never returned. My parents particularly, my father , were liberal, and I was raised in an aura of New Deal Idealism. My sister Mimi, was born in 1933. My mother loved to sing and to dance. (I attended the Edgar A Guest Elementary School “It takes a heap of living to make a house a home” and Edgar Guest visited our school every year. The school was progressive and I loved it. I was especially interested in learning vocabulary which delighted my father. I can remember standing at a school crossing and asking the crossing guard how it felt to be a ‘belligerent’ after hearing the term on the news. Everett spent most of the war years in Washington D.C. where he clerked for a Supreme Court justice. His dream was to earn a law degree. In 1943, it became clear that he wasn’t going to pass the Michigan State Bar.

In 1943, my father, working through a crisis of his own, resigned his immigration position; sold all our familial belongings, bought a new car and took the family West toward California. (We had no problem selling everything we had. The war was on and people were eager to find household goods.)

Texas 1943-1948

We never made it to California. Upon reaching Oklahoma City, my father was presented with the virtues of the Rio Grande Valley, an area in Southern Texas on the Mexican border. There were lush citrus orchards and fortunes still to be made. The best thing about the trip was stopping every evening for supper and being allowed to eat two hamburgers.

My father did well in the real estate business for the first two years in the Valley, then a severe frost froze real estate transactions as well as plant life. My mother, never comfortable with real estate, encouraged my father to apply for re-instatement into the Immigration Service, but remain on the Mexican border. I graduated from McAllen High School in 1947, a good student, fluent in Spanish but quite shy. My high school teachers were excellent and one of the high points of those years was being part of the debate club. After High School graduation I held odd jobs around town for several months and in August of 1948, I joined the Air Force

The Air Force 1948-1952

I joined the service, I am sure, to find a safe way of leaving home. The Air Force was an accidental choice. I originally tried the Navy, couldn’t get in that month, walked across the hall and was accepted in the Air Force. It was the time of the Korean War. I traveled, but only in the United States. After enlisting in Brownsville, I was stationed in San Antonio, Fort Worth, Denver, El Paso, Roswell, New Mexico, Omaha and Tampa where I was discharged. I was trained as an Intelligence Specialist, for the most part interpreted radar scope photos and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. The value of the experience was not only in the work. I became less introverted during this period, discovering girls and serious reading. (Jerry had a sweet relationship with a young woman in Tampa and both she and her mother were disappointed to see Jerry leave. Discharged in August of 1952, I took my mustering out pay and high-tailed it to Mexico. I had a plan to attend Mexico City College where courses were taught in English. However as my cash resources dwindled I returned to Houston, Texas with about $13.00.

Houston 1952-54

These two years are difficult years for me to describe, and in fact, somewhat difficult to remember. They were prosaic years on the one hand for I did nothing extraordinary. But I have the sense now of the significance in internal machinations of my mind and heart during this time. When I left Houston, it was as if I were propelled by magic from a Houston cocoon into the brilliance of the University in Austin.

Austin 1954 – 57

I was offered the opportunity to enter a special liberal arts undergraduate program (PLAN II) and graduated with honors and a B. A. in Anthropology in three years (These were the days of the GI Bill). Once more there were fringe benefits. As I had discovered girls in the Air Force, I discovered bright girls at the University and married for the first time in Austin. The marriage was dissolved by mutual consent, with no offspring, one year later, after we had moved to Seattle. At the University I was a Teaching Assistant and Library Page. For Jerry this was a remarkable time in his life.

Washington 1957 – 1961

Barbara and I moved to Washington so she could complete her graduate work and I could begin mine. After our separation (which was a difficult time) I decided to take a permanent position with the Navy Department at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. I was hired as an Employee Development Officer, responsible for training programs for the civilian employees of the shipyard which meant: developing training-need definition studies; and devising and administering programs for about 1200 white collar and professional employees. I was personally responsible for:

The 60 hour Basic Supervisory Development Training Course required for all new supervisors.
The “after hours” training program which consisted of some 30 courses each quarter given in cooperation with the local Junior College.

While living in Bremerton, I joined the local little theatre company. At the cast party on the opening night of my first play, I met a delightfully witty blonde who had been in the audience. The play was the Glass Menagerie and I played the part of the Gentleman Caller—the lines I remember best “I’m comfortable as a cow.” Shortly thereafter Elaine became my wife. A registered nurse and a former Canadian, Elaine had also been divorced and brought three lovely additions into my life. Karen was 9, David 7, and Clayton 1, when we married. Our first child Andrew, was born in 1960. In the summer of 1961, there was an opportunity to take an interesting position working for the Navy on the Mojave Desert in Southern California. We took it.

China Lake 1961 – 1965

At the Naval Ordinance Test Station, China Lake, California, I became Supervisor of the Apprentice Training School with 80 – 110 apprentices and 11 instructors in the electronics, machinists, plumber-pipefitter, and sheet metal trades. The School combined a Junior College Education with technical training and supervised work experience in the laboratories and shops. I was chosen for training in the NOTS Personnel Generalist Training Program. As a qualified Personnel Generalist, I became responsible for all staff personnel functions for one of the larger Technical Departments at the Station. These functions included : Recruitment, Employee Procedures, Position Classification, Wage Regulation, Employee Development, and Employee-Management Relations. For six months on a temporary detail, I became business manager for a Research and Development Division. I was responsible for all the administrative decisions and coordinated the development of technical project proposals. The annual budget for this division was about 6 million dollars.

Gordon, our youngest child was born, June 1^st, 1962 . The Unitarian Fellowship of Indian Wells Valley is located in China Lake and here I had my first formal introduction to our movement. Elaine had been a member of Uni-Uni churches in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Seattle, Washington during her first marriage. When I took David and Karen to register them in the Sunday School program (having heard good things about it from many sources), I learned that there was a shortage of teachers. From teaching in the Sunday School it was a short step to working with adult programming. I taught Sunday School for two years; was in charge of adult programming one year; and chairman of the Social Concerns Committee for another year. I served on the Board of the China Lake Counselling Service for three years, acted in several local theatrical ventures, participated in the local Toastmasters Club and was an active member of the China Lake Chapter of the American Association of Public Administration and the NAACP. I accumulated 10 units of graduate work in Public Administration in an evening extension program from the University of Southern California. I served as workshop leader at two camps held at DeBenneville Pines, while Elaine was the camp nurse. During a statewide battle in 1964 over open housing legislation, I met several Unitarian clergymen who were immersed in the kind of work, I had to sandwich in on weekends and nights. I was impressed by their leadership and began to wonder about my appropriateness for their profession. After attending most of the May meetings in 1964, which were conveniently held in San Francisco, I applied with Elaine’s blessing to Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California.

Berkeley 1965 -1968

It is not easy to take a big family to graduate school. But exciting it is! Elaine returned to work in the Emergency Room at the County Hospital in Oakland. My part of the deal was to keep house and go to school. As well, I worked part time at a grocery chain. It is not possible to chronicle all the learning situations, planned and otherwise, that have occurred at Starr King. Some of the most interesting have been:

The five months spent at the San Francisco Day Treatment Center on a project for In-service Education where I became part of a truly therapeutic community.
The ten weeks during which I rode each week-end with a Berkeley Police Squad car and learned to appreciate the ambiguities involved in police work and its place in our society.
An In-Service Education assignment at the County Geriatric Hospital, where I obtained first hand knowledge of the multiple problems of aging in our culture.
A fascinating course in Hebrew Literature taught by a Rabbi from the Cal Campus, where for the first time the Old Testament came alive for me.
Two stimulating courses at the Pacific School of Religion led by Bishop James Pike , in which we began to discuss Modern Theology and The New Morality, and ended in a

personal encounter with a great and tormented man.

A tour as Starr King Student Body President during a period of significant change.

Calgary 1968 – 1971

Jerry applied for and accepted a position as minister of the Unitarian Church of Calgary. He, Elaine , David, Karen, Clayton, Andrew and Gordon arrived in September 1968. He was the first minister for a congregation that hoped to have a building of their own.

My decision to change careers was based on a desire to do vocationally those things which have always interested me but until now have had to be done in my spare time. As a Unitarian minister I can concentrate more fully on such matters as social ethics and personal counselling. During my first year as Minister approximately 60 new members joined the church bringing the congregation to 250 people.

Jerry’s minister report written for 1968-1969:

Sermons and Services

Sermon topics ranged from theological (The Theology of Hope) to the practical (on marriage and divorce). Outside speakers contributed insights in areas of child psychiatry, Czech history, and student unrest. Services ranged from the pomp and circumstance of my ordination and installation, a delightful Chinese wedding and a memorable performance by Ukranian dancers. Our fairly informal standard service, has included live musical offerings at most services.

Counseling

My framework—Few ministers including myself, are qualified and competent to continue extended counseling relationships in depth with parishioners. What I have attempted to do is to see people often enough to make a good referral, if needed and to temporarily allay anxiety. This would ordinarily take no longer than three visits. I have become acquainted with three counseling services and have met some other therapists.

Thirteen individuals ( 5 non-members) have established “formal” relationships with me, and 7 have been referred to other sources of help.

Hospital Calling I have made about 40 hospital calls to all of the hospitals in the city and am a member of the Chaplaincy Advisory Committee at the Calgary General Hospital.

Parish Calling has been done on an as-needed basis with special attention paid to new members and those returning from the hospital.

Denominational Affairs: By virtue of being a minister in the District, I am on the Board of Directors of the Western Canada Unitarian District. I have been elected Vice-President of that Board and am a Board Representative to the Canadian Unitarian Counsel in Ottawa. At the recent District Conference, I led a workshop on student unrest.

Civic Affairs I am member of the Board of Directors, Calgary Interfaith Action Committee. I am active on the poverty subcommittee of that group.

Outside Speaking Engagements This included a pulpit exchange with the Edmonton Church, a speaking engagement in Regina, the Installation sermon for Hugh Weston

in Saskatoon; participation on a panel at the University of Calgary with Rabbi Ginsberg and a Catholic priest; an appearance on a radio panel with Bob Wrigley from Edmonton and Bill Wutanee and Theo Pezar from this church.

Ceremonies I have officiated at 10 weddings, three funerals (none for church families), one Dedication service for twenty four children and one Memorial service.

Committee Work I have met regularly with 1. The Board of Directors; 2. The Religious Education Committee; 3. The Adult Education Committee; 4 The Sunday Program Committee; 5.The Denominational Affairs Committee and 6. The Finance Committee.

Ministerial Travel

The October New Ministers meeting in Boston provided an introduction into the Ministry as it is seen from the perspective of the UUA. A meeting of Ministers from the Pacific Northwest which I attended in November was helpful. It focused on the problems of the Ministry at the Church level.

Summary: FULL EXCITING EDUCATIONAL

During my first year, the Church purchased a building

In subsequent years Jerry hosted a radio show –the theme song “Bridge over Troubled Waters.” He also wrote several articles which appeared in the Calgary Herald.

Edmonton 1971 – 1974

The work in the Unitarian Church was full and exciting , but Elaine and Jerry experienced a marriage breakdown. After considerable counselling, Jerry resigned his position at the Church and moved to Edmonton to take a position as Personnel Officer at Cameron Library , University of Alberta. He was responsible for the approximately 300 support staff. His work included recruitment, wage and salary administration, and employee development and he compiled and taught a 25 hour supervision development program for both librarians and support staff. He travelled to Calgary on the weekends to spend time with his children.

Jerry met Thora in January of 1972, at a Unitarian pot luck dinner that included an evening of theatre at the Victoria Composite School — the plays: Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape, and Sartre’s No Exit. Riding in Jerry’s old Nash in 40 below weather feeling the cold from a hole under the clutch and then sitting through two reasonably depressing plays did not bode well for a continuing relationship. But a relationship did develop. Edmontonians have found that the way to deal with very cold winters is to get organized. Jerry and Thora saw great films, and heard wonderful music. Theatre in Edmonton was first rate and they took in performances at the U of A Studio Theatre, The Citadel and Walterdale. Sandwiched in were bridge games.

In September of 1972, Thora moved to Calgary to take on a position as school librarian, a pre- requisite for entering the University of Alberta Library School. Upon graduation in 1973, she took up the position as Head of the Library Technician Program at Grant McEwan College. Elaine had moved to Victoria with the boys and Jerry began looking for a position on the Coast to be nearer to his children.

Jerry received his Canadian citizenship in 1974 and was thrilled to be able to vote for

a “socialist” government for the first time in his life.

Vancouver 1974 – 1978

Jerry began work for the Vancouver School Board as a Personnel Officer for the non-teaching staff. He and his son Andy, had to commute from Port Coquitlam for the first months because of a shortage of rental properties. In November of 1974, Jerry and Thora were married in the Vancouver Unitarian Church and she returned to Edmonton to complete the term at Grant McEwan. Early in 1975, Jerry sent her information about a job opening as head librarian at Britannia Community Services, an experimental school- public library on the East side of Vancouver. She was selected and began work in May of 1974.

Both had demanding jobs. In Vancouver , they enjoyed being with Andy and occasional visits with Gordon. In 1977, they began looking for a Book Store and found the perfect one in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo 1978 – 2017

Jerry’s life was about family, music, dancing, reading (especially theThe New Yorker), poetry, travel and having fun. He was happy and relieved to live in closer proximity to his sons and their families. His sons had found perfect partners. Andy had married Trish and they had two children, Caity and Vinnie. Clayton was married to Linda and their two sons were Aaron and Addison. Gordon had found a partner in Shaun and together they provided a home for Max. Spending time with his family and especially with his grandchildren was a highpoint in his life.

Running a book store is satisfying work, But running a small business, especially when the partners live and work together brings its challenges.

Jerry had always been a keen reader and had a great curiosity about people, a combination that made him a gifted bookseller.

As chief payer of bills, he often muttered (none too softly) TOO MANY BOOKS. Thora and Jerry muddled along with the help of some good humoured and clever people: Daphne Culley, Alice Veregin, Kitty Bonham, Robin McKay, Debra Ferens, Jean Blackburn, Michele Hillier, Donna Konsorado and a host of students, many from Barsby School. Although they knew no one when they arrived in 1978, it was not long before they felt part of the community. The Community Education Program at Malaspina made it possible to cooperate on initiatives. Working with school librarians was a natural fit.

Nanaimo is home to many gifted writers, some of who became friends. Jack Hodgins, Anne Cameron were established writers. The staff became experts at putting together refreshments for book launches for authors including Lynne Bowen, Carol Windley, Margaret Horsfield and her father Peter. Poets, including Mae Hill Brown, Winona Baker, Mildred Tremblay and Alison Watt read their work. Instructors in the English, Creative Writing and History Departments at Malaspina produced a number of books. Several scientists from the Pacific Biological Station: Graeme Ellis, Mike Biggs, Ian McAskie, Gordon Bell, and Rick Harbo shared their insights and Ellen White brought us First Nations stories.

Many guest authors from across Canada read at the Book Store. One memorable Remembrance Day, Timothy Findley read from The Wars at 11A.M. Bill Richardson gave a stunning recitation from banned books. Stuart McLean, Margaret Atwood, and Timothy Findley, read several times. Richard Gwynn, Sandra Gwynn , Jane Urquhart, Leon Rooke, Sandra Birdsell visited.

There were readings by distinguished authors from outside Canada including:John Mortimer, Dorothy Dunnett, Louis DeBernieres, John McGahern, the brilliant Irish writer. Jerry was a animated host always curious about our guests’ stories. His presence at the dinner table ensured a evening of laughter and stories.

Many writers of children’s books found their way to Nanaimo. Malaspina, the School Board, The Children’s Roundtable and the Book Store worked together to present the First Vancouver Island Children’s Book Festival, now in its 32nd year.

Jerry enchanted children with his story book readings. One of his favorites, Farmer Duck , he considered a great socialist story. He loved reading the Grinch. During November and December, he looked forward loading up the car with boxes of books and visiting school libraries. He truly enjoyed spending time with children and the librarians.

A renovation of the old Salvation Army building in 1980/81, gave a new home to the Book Store. Bo Helliwell, a Hornby Island architect drew the plans. His great gift to Jerry and Thora was introducing them to the Purcell Quartet who performed each summer for a week on Hornby Island. Jerry and Thora became committed chamber music fans even after the summer that they learned to listen to Bartok.

Everywhere they travelled , Jerry found music: chamber and symphony music, opera, and street music During a two week stay in Paris, he travelled every day by metro to any church that offered a lunch time concert. He was thrilled to hear his favorite opera, The Magic Flute in Vienna, The Welsh Men’s Choir in Tenby Wales, Vivaldi in Venice and the quartets on Hornby Island and in our home.

He regretted the fact that he could not carry a tune. But dance he could and did. That included dancing across Piazza San Marco in the evening to the music of the orchestras In the cafes. Jerry found an accordion player on Rue Mouffetard in Paris on a Sunday morning that played great dance music. The little Edith Piaf bar in Barcelona welcomed dancers. He loved 2^nd Saturday night at the Dinghy Dock with Brian Whitty and the Blue Dog Ramble and the Hooligans and earlier Jerry Paquette and other great Island musicians.. On cruises, there was dancing most afternoons and evenings“ And then there were the eight Banff International String Quartet Competitions. 10 young string quartets assembled every three years in Banff for a week long chamber music extravaganza.

Always up for an adventure, Jerry bought the first of two motorcycles and spent hours riding, travelling as far afield as Calgary, California and Arizona. Misfortune struck when one Friday afternoon he took his bright red Honda out for a spin on the Nanaimo Lakes Road. The grass on the side of the road was wet and the bike skidded as he rounded a curve. He rolled one way and the bike another. Fortunately people passing by saw the accident. His dislocated shoulder, severed knee and wrecked bike put an end to his riding days. He missed that bike.

But being Jerry, and curious, he travelled by air, bus and cruise ship. In Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Rome Siena, Vienna, and in the South of France Jerry and Thora booked small apartments. On the trips to Europe, Jerry would find a campo in Venice or a bench on the Ramblas in Barcelona and sit waiting to have a chat with whomever came along, while he perused the International Herald Tribune. He used the Spanish he learned as a teen-ager everywhere he went. He was disappointed to learn that in Barcelona, Catalan is a far different language from Spanish.

On one of his adventures in Amsterdam, he decided to visit one of the famous cafes.

One puff of a very big joint, knocked him off his stool and when he came to, people hovered over him with orange juice and chocolate and wished him well on his way.

A visit to the hospital confirmed that he had a dislocated shoulder. But the adventure was not over. Crossing tram tracks on his way to the hotel, he stumbled in front of a tram that was approaching. A chorus of “Roll Jerry Roll” went up and he rolled.

Discovering the works of architects, Gaudi in Barcelona and Hundertwasser in Vienna delighted him. If a city had a ferris wheel he rode it: in London, The London Eye and in Barcelona at Tibidabo Park. He sought out Funiculars in Paris, Barcelona and Yalta and rode the river boats along the Thames, the Seine and the Danube. And everywhere he engaged with people.

Jerry visited Cuba twice, the last time on May Day, 2000. Castro was speaking and on the way to the podium he passed the Canadian contingent. Jerry was convinced that Castro noted the bright red T shirt that two Protection Island women had made for him proclaiming The Republic of Protection Island. The people , the music, the language, the warmth of the people, the revolutionary history and the old cars. His first visit to Cuba was spent visiting the places where Cubans holidayed.

Thora and Jerry made several trips to Mexico, mostly to the West Coast. There they danced to mariachi and gypsy music. They were always serenaded by a singer who played Besame Mucho. On his own Jerry travelled by bus to Vera Cruz, where he watched the Danzon. On later trips he rode the Copper Canyon train and made a trip to Oxaca.

One of his great adventures was on a sailing cruise ship that left from Malaysia and sailed around India to Greece. It was on this trip that he met several like-minded people, who met every evening to read and tell stories. He delighted his fellow travellers with Walter Mitty stories by James Thurber. Jerry loved to read poetry aloud. Friends discovered his talent for reading poetry cold and often brought him poems to read. He would occasionally entertain people on the ferry with a New Yorker poem.

The most satisfying road trips ever took were with his boys whether was a road trip in BC or a baseball game in Seattle.

He was an avid fan of the Tottenham Hotspurs (soccer) the Detroit Lions, The Detroit Tigers and the University of Texas Longhorns. He followed tennis, golf, the World Series and the Super Bowl.

Politics was an ever present passion with Jerry and he was interested to engage in discussions –which always ended with his urging the people vote as far to the left as possible. Being able to vote a socialist ticket in Canada was one of the reasons he was passionate about becoming a citizen.

PROTECTION ISLAND 1989 -2017

Finding one’s place on earth is a gift. Jerry and Thora found it in 1989 on Protection Island. Bill Macy, a lovable Scot and his wife Bea invited them to have lunch in their glorious spring garden. A few weeks later Liz HK and Mark Kaarremaa asked them to their waterfront home. In those days, Liz was the unofficial real estate person and in record time, she found a tiny cabin that had not been well advertised.

John Muckle, Tauno Tuominen and Mersha San renovated it and in January, when Jerry first saw the completed renovation, he never returned to the house in Nanaimo. In 1993, Mark drew up plans for an additional renovation. Not only did Mark do the plans, he picked the paint, and hung the photos. The mountains of rock that were turned up became patios and walls under Frank Reigling’s talented hands. Steve, a Hungarian, who fled Hungry in 1968, and found his way to Protection Island built the outdoor oven from adobe on the Island.

The island has changed. In the early days (1982) John Muckle would pull out his barbecue and all were welcome to join he and Ev for dinner. Keith McIntyre, our ferry captain and friend from the beginning, shared his music and his love of chocolate with Jerry. Many people on the Island had nicknames—Concrete Bob, Thunder, “Have I got a Deal for you” and there were stories to go with each of the names.

The ferry, then as now was reliable and it was easy to commute to the Book Store. The ferry played a significant part in making the Island a real community and the ferry captains are held in high esteem. In a 10 minute ride one could catch up on all the happenings. The commute at 7:50 A.M with the school children was special. It takes an Island to raise a child.

Every year, in 80’s , the pub and the Lions Club hosted a fundraiser. It was a raucous event where pies could go for as much as $100.00. Those pies were usually shared by a table.

The Lions Club was very active as it is now. When Protection Island became part of Nanaimo , the fellows who met to play poker lost their club house—our current Fire Hall. They banded together, met in one another’s homes, sold one another drinks and eventually formed a chapter of the Lion’s Club. They made an arrangement with the City to take care of the buildings at Gallows Point. Then as now the Lions provide support to the community. Keith would bring his big speakers to the dances at the hall and we danced to 50’s and 60’s music. Unsightly costumes made the Halloween dance one not to be missed. Keith also ensured that the Easter Egg hunt was a success. Some of the changes over the years included the renovations to Beacon House, the formation of Digs and the Museum. These two organizations have been instrumental in bringing the community together. The Ratepayers became the Protection Island Neighbourhood Association. The Fire Department and the Lions Club brought us a state of the art ambulance. The constant vigilance and training of our volunteer Fire Department is second to none. The Lions made possible a well used library which offers story times every week. Barb LeBrasseur established the Pro-Isle network. Scientists have always found a home on Protection. Among them: whale authority, Graeme Ellis, otter specialist, Jane Watson, environmentalist, Trudy Chatwin and most recently the distinguished ethnobotanist Nancy Turner

Musicians, writers, artists, artisans, computer specialists, photographers and editors have made homes on Protection. At one time there were musicians to make up a string quartet. Jenni Cluff, Veronica Wagner, and Trish Clare gave memorable concerts. Linda and Jim Irvine provided the venue for concerts by David Essig, John Gogo and many others. Rick Scott, Jenni Cluff, John Gogo, Brian Whitty, Andrew Homzy, the Hooligans and Paul Gogo and the Ukulele players regularly perform. Artists include Alison Watt, Suzanne Lamoureux, Carl Ashley, Victoria McFarlane, Tanis Roberts, Jane Garcia; artisans: Krista Winter, Jane Tesky; Nancy Slogar, Louise Demers; Weavers: Liz HK. Heather Sinclair, Suzanne Lamoureux, Darlene Zelato; photogtaphers: Norm Louden Jim McQuarrie, Bruce Schuck, Francois and a host of others; video artist: Jessie Naylor; professional Chefs: Deb Brint, Penny, Norah Curtis; master woodworkers: Tauno Tuomenen, Matt Collerett; compuer whizzes: Lin Neufeld, Bruce Schuck; writers and poets: Alison Watt, Cheryl Ashley, Bob Turner, Craig Taylor, Brian Harvey, Nancy Turner, Carol Matthews Mike Matthews, Margaret Horsfield, Maria Coffee, Graeme Ellis; Rick Scott, Valley Hennell; rock artist Frank Reigling; gardeners: Jane Tesky, Jo; The Island has an astonishing number of people who do the very practical things it takes to look after out homes.

Is it any wonder that he said every day “I’m the luckiest guy in the world”

It was on Protection Island that:

Jerry found his home, a cottage that Liz HK found and Mark Kaaremaa designed and decorated

Jerry found his cribbage mate Stuart Murray. Every week they met and shared a serious game

Jerry was part of a pool league, that played regulation pool. He loved the Saturday night pool games with Mike Lamoureux, Wesley Strickland and Bruce Boydt.

Jerry danced to the music of Jerry Pacquette, David Essig, Brian Whitty and the Blue Dog Ramble,

Rick Scott, John Gogo and many others at the Dinghy Dock and Beacon House.

Jerry was transported a few times to the Nanaimo hospital with our caring, well-trained fire crew

Jerry met Islanders at the Bathtub race pancake breakfast

Jerry was given a “Republic of Protection Island” T-Shirt to wear to Cuba.

Jerry brought home the exceptional baking from Deb Brint’s bakery.

Jerry walked down Captain Morgans so he could hear Jenni playing her flute and subsequently took lessons from her. Jerry was entranced by the music of the quartets that Jenni Cluff organized and was part of in our home.

Jerry had a grand time performing in PIPS with Brenda Thompson and Terry Knight.

Jerry strolled to the community garden to find chocolate cookies and brownies at the Digs bake sale.

Jerry looked out over his New Yorker to watch the cavorting otters and seals and sometimes whales

Jerry delighted in watching the deer make their daily walk up from the beach through the yard, having a nibble of the geraniums and cosmos as they passed by. At night he on occasion would catch sight of pairs racoons looking down from a tree.

Jerry loved the Easter Basket filled with his favorite chocolates that he found every year for 27 years outside the door delivered by the aster Bunny aka Keith

Jerry walked down the steps and through Mud Bay Park carpeted with tiny white flowers, listening to the bird song.

Jerry kept the dinner table animated and ensured that there was ample ice cream for dessert

Jerry ‘cold read’ poems that friends chose for him

Jerry engaged in his favorite pastime reading to young children at home and at the Protection Library.

Jerry revelled in engaging with people on the Island and on the ferry.

As he said on a daily basis “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”