Patti,
Gerry and I developed a wonderful relationship during your years residing in Colorado Springs. We learned that each of us was a very early riser, and thus we had an early morning phone call at least once a week, sometimes more frequently.
Those phone conversations led to a deepening friendship. We talked about everything from spiritual development to how to handle a certain expense on the POP spreadsheet to difficulties in community living. We were able to trust one another in sharing ideas and discussing difficulties without fear of criticism or reprisal. 
I grew to value Gerry's friendship. After you moved to Shreveport we continued our phone calls, albeit with less frequency. I miss Gerry now, and I'm sure your loss is both painful and joyful, knowing his eternal journey is here is complete.

Patti (and Gerry), oh my, what a testament your card echoed of the life Gerry lived.  Bullish, yes, commander, yes, leader of leaders, yes.  He would scale/climb any mountain to help save someone's life.  Gerry was not a "private", he was THE Drill Sergeant!  Get out of my way, Satan, was his call/command as he pressed forward to lead those less confident and/or assured as he was.  Not sure, but I would surmise that Gerry's heroes of WW1 and WW2 were Patton, Fredrick Warden, Pershing, MacArthur to name a few.

Gerry and I did butt heads, but it was for the individual growth of the both of us.  I came from the far west, an island in the Pacific Ocean (Hawaii), calm, cool, collected, passive, low-key.  Gerry came from the east coast, a completely different culture, way of life, the antithesis of an island lifestyle.  

Our first meeting together (in CO Springs, CO) was one of sizing-up the competition.  I could "hear" him say (in my mind's eye/imagination), who is this "pesky, laid-back, young punk-kid, from Hawaii (I was 37, he was 52)"?  Gerry was dressed in mid-western church-attire: coat, tie, jacket.  I was wearing genes, slippers (maybe tennis shoes?) and an aloha shirt.  My first thought was "oh no, why was I asked to lead this group in CO Springs and not Gerry?"  I definitely felt I was at a disadvantage from the start.  However, as time passed, Gerry graciously recognized that the CO culture was more laid back than the mid-western culture.  Gerry adjusted extremely well, not as a drill sergeant, but as a HUMBLE servant of the Lord.  It seemed to me that he saw and recognized the environment he came to serve in was a cross between both the cultures we came from.

When all is said and done, Gerry was a man filled with the spirit of God: confident, ardent, dependable, resilient, and ready and willing to serve others as Christ served.

I love and miss you and will continue to pray for your soul to reach the heavenly kingdom.

In Christ, Rick Busekrus

Patti and fellow brothers and sisters in the People of Praise,  first of all, I offer my prayers that the Good Lord Gerry faithfully served with great joy, will provide His necessary comfort and strength at this time. Secondly, I have wonderful memories of Gerry when he was our first Branch leader here in Colorado Springs , as my first spiritual Head, and as he and his beloved wife, Patti, always found an extra place at their table for their brother in Christ to share dinner. In short, Gerry was always a joyful presence to me and all around him. May you, Gerry, now rest with the angels and Jesus of Whom you loved with great dedication!  Mark Elio, Colorado Springs, CO.

OBITUARY

Gerald Edward Deakin Jr.

24 April, 1946 – 30 July, 2024

Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park

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