Shirley, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You and Jerry also are in my most early memories, like a second pair of parents. I have such wonderful memories of being with Jerry in the park, riding in the ranger's truck, as he cared for the land and the people enjoying it. As I've aged, I recognize more the life lessons he was teaching me by through his actions -- the way he showed kindness to others, the way he enjoyed laughing, singing, and sharing joy with others, the way he cared for natural resources, and made certain his work was done right.In recent years, I've enjoyed our phone conversations. He shared his military memories as I prepared for my deployment to Iraq. We laughed through memories of our times together in the Palisades State Park.I knew this day would come but I am woefully unprepared to say goodbye to my wonderful friend. I'm thankful to have been his friend and for the memories he created for me and others.