Guest Blogging: Mike D.
Friday night, the world lost a truly remarkable, wonderful soul. Known to the WataugaWatch community as "Stumpy," Gerry was a man who knew no enemies. Friends describe him as generous, straightforward, inspiring, tireless, a true intellectual, astute, possessed of a driving spirit and a good, firm, honest handshake.
When Multiple Sclerosis began to inhibit Gerry's physical mobility, he refused to slow down. He became active in the Watauga County Democratic Party, attending executive committee meetings, encouraging others to meet their own challenges, and passing along ideas that inspired friends to stride proudly toward their goals. In spite of the physical challenges he faced, Gerry volunteered his time at the Hospitality House, helping others and refusing to allow his condition to rule his life. No matter what Gerry's situation was, he always found his smile. He always found the time and energy to make someone else's life better.
When he wasn't out in the community helping others, Gerry was at his computer. It became his interface to the world as his physical mobility declined, and boy, did he ever use it! He was tech-savvy and hard-wired to the internet, participating in all kinds of online communities, from WataugaWatch to DailyKos to World of Warcraft. Yes, he was even a video gamer. If only our young gaming friends knew that they were playing with a guy in his 60s!
Gerry, you didn't want personal recognition. You didn't seek accolades. You just wanted to help improve the lives of those you touched. If all of us tried to be just a little more like you, this world would be a better place.
We will always remember you. Rest well, brother.
I am sorry that I did not know "Stumpy"....
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Mike D. - what a wonderful tribute. You said it all and beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI first met Stumpy 10 years ago at a Howard Dean organizing meeting, and enjoyed working with him ever afterwards. I will truly miss him.
Go with God, Gerry.
What a lovely eulogy.
ReplyDeletelooking for a sample ballot for a person voting in watauga. Anybody know a link for one?
ReplyDeleteThanks, First time voter...
Here's a sample ballot marked for the Democrats: http://www.wataugadems.com/2010SampleBallot2.pdf.
ReplyDeleteAnd www.pamspicks.net offers research on all the candidates of both parties from a progressive perspective.
The Tea Party uses the same ballot and marks it for totally different results.
You were a great guy, Gerry. We'll all miss you. And thanks, so much, Mike D., for your very kind and touching words.
ReplyDeleteAnd please, folks, don't post unrelated comments here.
Stumpy, you will be missed. I always found your posts to be thoughtful and intelligent, sometimes humorous, and never mean-spirited. You are a role model for us all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike, for letting us know of Stumpy's passing with your eloquent tribute.
"Stumpy" represented a clear voice of insightful analysis and thoughtfulness in this age of anti-intellectualism.
ReplyDeleteA critical thinker of the highest order and a man who led with both his heart and his mind, Gerry Richardson will be sadly missed.
We would all do well to honor his passing by raising our own game a notch or two.
Thanks for the kind words, Mike D.
There is an online memorial being held Thursday nite 8pm EST at the dailykos blog...one of stumpy's online hangouts. Sadly a Dailykos Community Quilt was being created for Jerry and would have been delivered this coming weekend...
ReplyDeleteDailykos online comunnity Link
You are welcome to come join us in a tribute to this man...and to a life well lived.
When I was trying to sort out the Sheriff Mark Shook mess journalistically in 2006, Stumpy served as one of my editors. He went over the article carefully before it was published, gave me some very good writing edits, and then -- most significantly to me -- pointed out a deficiency in my reporting that put me in danger of a factual error. I'm sorry to say I ignored his suggestion and paid the price in credibility. The only factual error in that story would not have happened if I had heeded Stumpy's wise counsel. He was a great guy and a true professional.
ReplyDeleteI got to know Stumpy at the Thom Hartmann chat room. He was a delightful man and it's sad that we lost him. Keep up the good work up there Gerry, we need you angelic assistance more that ever!
ReplyDeleteGerry was a kind and gentle man who always made me feel special when I was around him. He will be remembered and missed by all whose lives he touched. RIP Gerry!
ReplyDeleteI worked with Gerry for many years, we called him "T" -- he was a wonderful person, kind, extremely intelligent. The world is a sadder place without him. RIP.
ReplyDeleteI met Gerry (Jerry in those days) in 2nd grade, 1954. We were good friends in those days, best of friends our last year of high school until he joined the USAF, and only sporadic contact after that until Facebook.
ReplyDeletehttp://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1029131639033798596wlNuSvcSnC?vhost=good-times
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1029095772033798596VvVEjctmIq?vhost=good-times
Bill,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the contribution. I checked out the rest of the photo album you linked. Great shots of Gerry from the early days.
It's sad that we learn so much about great people after they have departed.
STUMPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I miss you brother and i am also happy you are free too. Thank you for the warm welcome when i dropped in to the Thom Hartmann chat too. Thanks again
ReplyDeleteTIMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY\
Mike: Great tribute to a wonderful man. Nicely done, the both of you!
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteFirst, permit me to make a small correction...Gerry was born on April 17th. not the 16th. I used to kid this Scotsman that he and St.Paddy were but a wee month apart!
I first met Gerry in 1962, when his passion was basketball,winning verbal battles and Nehi grape soda. Even at that young age, he was a champion for the underdog and an advocate for equality.
I will miss our conversations that could last for hours(thank you AT&T Friends and Family plan)and would run the gamut of space exploration to crock pot cooking.
In the last decade, I was able to take holiday and we met on several occasions often outside of Boone. To all of the posters in these many sites paying tribute to this dear man, understand that in spite of the limitations of MS, Gerry did enjoy female companionship and not just in online chats.
I will forever miss his wisdom and advice,his shoulder when I was blue,the strength of his embrace and the warmth of his heart.
Gerry will be in my heart...always.