Jerry:
We lost an awesome member of our Aspen Local community a short time ago, Jerry. Jerry was what a local small town member should be: involved, personable, passionate, and a friend to all.
Jerry found a niche that acted as a grounding for his life. Rugby. Rugby is a sport that accentuates family. We are a group who has a shared experience. We aren’t normal. Most of us played or still play way beyond when we should. But from the beginning, we are taught about the game as a small portion of the bigger picture. The social after the game was just as important as the game itself. Our rugby relationships come from a unique shared experience, both on and off the field.
Jerry went from a player in the 1980’s to a Club President in 2019. He was always active. Willing to be a part of multiple games, hell yes! Paint lines? Yep. He did whatever it took for the Rugby Club to be successful. Would he help bring coach a high school program? Absolutely. Rugby was where he was grounded. Did rugby define Jerry? I don’t think so. Jerry’s personality defined Jerry.
Jerry was a mountain man. He was a biker, a skier, and a hard worker trying to make ends meet, while living in a beautiful place yet expensive place. I believe the soul of skiing is under attack from those who are moving to the mountains and not becoming a part of what makes a small town great. Jerry’s stoke for living in the Colorado Mountains was beyond reproach.
As we get older, people we know leave us. I find the whole process interesting as people try to come to grips with someone passing away. Death is inevitable. But in dying we lose a friend or loved one. There will be a hole where that person once existed in our lives. I’d be a hypocrite to say I was great friends with Jerry. I had played many games with him on the pitch and shared many a beer. But did I know him? Really? I came to the conclusion, I did not. But does this mean I can’t celebrate his life?
Generations of Rugby players for the Gentlemen of Aspen came from all over the world to pay their respects to a once in a generation Rugby player. 99% of us move on from Rugby. We get married, have kids, and move. We really move to a place where we can’t play anymore both physically and mentally. The addiction is so severe I know players who have burned their boots when they quit, just to prevent them from being put back on. The addiction is that deep. We just can’t help ourselves. I’d play right now.
But as we separate, we don’t have much need to come together. Jerry’s passing brought the Gentlemen of Aspen https://www.aspenrugby.com together. His greatest trait was pulling us together. His position on the field was a lynch pin position. He held us together. He played prop. Jerry had the ultimate trust in his team mates as he had his arms taken away and pinned in a scrum. He was literally helpless when 16 tons of power came together. We protected him from being really hurt. Jerry trusted us.
I have to admit my time with Rugby was always compromised. I have friends and family who don’t understand why I played. My time was torn between Rugby and other responsibilities. I didn’t sell out like Jerry did to the club. I regret this from time to time, but also know I am somebody with multiple interests. I missed rugby tours and trips and events. I don’t have the same bond.
But we all have a bond from being on the field. I passed the ball to Jerry many times for him to score. He did the same for me. Everyone in the club worked hard for each other. We made sacrifices so others could have success. We as a club have given something to each other for playing the game. Our bonds are forever.
Live Like Jerry! Grab life, find a stoke and go for it, be passionate about something in life. This passion will give you a life-force to be something better. Get involved. I see our elders who have stayed involved in groups have an easier time as they get older. Find something that makes you happy and keeps your mind alive. Once you find a driving force, life becomes a little easier to deal with as we all have hurdles to go over as life throws us curveballs and obstacles to over come. Get over them. Make life happen. Find a way. Raise a Glass and Live Like Jerry!!
