Monday, May 27, 2024
We went to Grade Seven at Brookside School in the mid 1950’s and I became a friend of Gerald in a very unusual way. For some unknown reason, Wayne Becker arranged a fight between Gerald & me after school (We didn’t know each other at the time). The only problem was that neither Gerald nor I were fighters. However, in the mid 50’s, all the rage on the new TV’s was Disney’s Davey Crockett show with Davey wearing his Coonskin Hat. They even had a way of fighting by holding both arms pointing upward in front of the body which meant that they punched upward. I decided to imitate that style.
Gerald was a head taller than me and when the fight started, (surrounded by a circle of shouting kids), I threw a lucky punch upward in true Davey Crockett style and hit Gerald on the chin. At that moment, someone yelled that Miss Ferguson, the Principal, was coming and everybody scattered. Gerald told me later that he was wobbly and little Wayne, the instigator, had to help him all the way home. After that, Gerald and I were good friends. He was a great guy!
I am so pleased that the family was able to be with Gerald at the end. In doing so, I’m sure you all were a blessing and will be blessed. How wonderful that you have his wood carvings to remember him by. I still have woodwork and candlesticks made by my Dad and they bring back warm memories every time I look at them.
Please accept my condolences and warmest wishes..
Sincerely,
Robert Adams
rdbobadams@rogers.com
