Jack Cameron Gerard

Jack Cameron Gerard, age 68, of Bridgman, Michigan, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 30 2006. He lived and worked many years in Columbus, and after retiring spent winters in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Born May 8, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Lorraine Gerard, sisters, Shirley Gerard and Beverly Johnson, and pet, Muffin. Survived by sister, Connie (Lloyd) Miller of Hopkins, Michigan; wife, Margaret Curtis-Gerard; children, Gordon Gerard of Columbus, Tracie (Ken) Kitchen of Reynoldsburg and Robert (Michelle) Gerard of San Jose, California; grandchildren, Ryne and Bailey Kitchen and many nieces and nephews. Jack grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was a graduate of The University of Michigan with a masters degree in Wood Technology. Jack retired from adhesive manufacturer Franklin International after 20 years in laboratory roles and 19 more years as an account manager in industrial woodworking adhesive sales. Jack managed the industrial technical support lab, and was much loved for his ever-present sense of humor and appreciation of life's absurdities. He won the coveted "Agitator of the Year" award several times, and his wit was always present and aptly applied. Jack had many friends in the academic and industrial woodworking world as an active member of the Forest Products Society, an organization promoting advances in wood processing and utilization technology. He strongly supported Wood Technology programs at the college level and was an active member of the Great Lakes Chapter of FPS. He was well-known in the woodworking industry in Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky, areas in which he represented Franklin International as an account manager. Jack was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, fisherman, coach, and mentor to many. He loved to travel and was fortunate to be able to travel often. He was an avid reader, sports fan (U of M, especially), political observer, and graced many people with his friendship and laughter. He will be missed much and very fondly remembered. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Bridgman Public Library, 4460 Lake St., Bridgman, MI 49106. His family will receive friends Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, where a memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Don Hammond officiating