I remember Mr. Waddell before he was Mr. Waddell. He always cut the lawn next to my dad's house in the summer back when teachers did maintenance at the schools for a little extra cash. Very friendly to us neighborhood kids who always played football on the lawn. I was a freshman basketball manager for his varsity basketball team and he was my physical science teacher in 9th grade. What a tremendous legacy he leaves. He WAS and always will be a Byron Center Bulldog.

I graduated from Wyoming high school in 1952, a classmate of Jerry and Bonnie’s.    I remember sharing fun and laughs with them
in high school and long after graduation.  We somehow stayed in touch through the years and enjoyed several class reunions.  It was fun to be around Jerry with his infectious smile and kind words.  He will be truly missed. Sincere sympathy to you Bonnie and your family.

I went to BCHS 1964, and graduated in 1968.  I use to draw freehand big bulldogs on huge stiff poster cardboard. I'd paint gigantic bulldogs real bright colors of orange and black. Mr Waddell said he really liked my artwork, he would help me hang the big posters for the different football games. Football became so fun to go, as BCHS started winning! Those were the days, fun, exciting, safe, we were so proud of our team. He was a good teacher always kind and fair. 
My condolences to the whole family, and to all his students thru the years, the many lives he touched in his teaching years. He'll be greatly missed 
Your in my prayers,
Sincerely 
Nancy Schans 

Mr. Waddell was one of my teachers and coach's.  Many great memories especially the 1973 basketball season making it to the quarter finals in Charlotte.  We upset Ravenna in the regionals which is a great memory.  Mr. Waddell was good for building the athletic  program at BCHS.
Dan Rairigh
1969-1973

It was after my junior year football season. We went 0-9 and I was miserable. I had an option of going to Forest Hills Northern for my senior year so I could play the game of football.  After my first class that day  Coach  Waddell caught me in the hall way and said he wanted to speak with me. He told me he just.  Took over as head coach of the program at BC. A program in shambles. The year was 1975. He asked me to be part of  something special for the next football season. He knew I was frustrated .  Without hesitation I said yes. Byron Center football went 5-3-1 his first season as head coach. It had been years since we had a winning record in football. He was a great leader and motivater.. 

I still can hear Mr. Waddell saying, “enunciate clearly, how now brown cow” during class. He was a memorable teacher and man of the BC community, condolences to his family, he will be missed by many but he has left all with many great memories!
Marsha Ray (France) class of ‘78

Dear Bonnie and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Gerald was a great teacher and coach.  Dennis has lots of memories playing basketball and football for him. Especially the 20-0 season. We will always remember his smile. Sending prayers to all of you. 

Dear Bonnie and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear that dear Mr. Waddell has passed away.  I also had him as a teacher, one of my favorites.  He was always happy and had a kind word for everyone.  I cherish the memories of sporting events and seeing him “fire up” everyone!   Those are times I will never forget. R.I.P.  Mr. Waddell, you will be greatly missed. 

Mary (Post) Steffes 
Class of ‘73

Dear Waddell Family,  

So sorry for your loss.  It was an honor to work with and for Jerry.  He hired me as a track coach and always supported his coached 100%. I shared a room with him for many years at BCHS.  He supported the kids everyday.  He never had a bad word about anyone.  He was 100% BC through and through.  You are in our prayers. 

Bonnie, Wayne, Becky and family. I was sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I enjoyed teaching and coaching with Jerry and pray for comfort for you all. I cannot attend today or tomorrow as we have a bug and don’t want to put others at risk. May the Lord bless and give you help in this difficult time. Tom

My condolences to the family of "Mr. Waddell".  I cannot look upon those wonderful high school years without fondly remembering him as a favorite.  He truly was Mr. Byron Center.  His school spirit was through the roof!  Oh, those lively basketball games with a full house!  His voice would roar up to the rafters when excited.  He loved the kids, always taking time to chat and make them feel special.  As having him for a science teacher, how can I forget, "Water is the universal solvent."  Rest in Peace, dear Mr. Waddell.  Know that you made a difference to so many.  
Teresa (Marker) Schumaker
BCHS Class of 1975

Bonnie, & family,  My  condolences to all of you, with Jerrys passing. He was a great man, integrity was one of his virtues, I had him in science my Jr, Year. Also, working with him ( You too Bonnie) at BCPS . Great teacher, coach, inspiration to all who knew him. Smiles for every one  He won't be forgotten .  Prayers, & Grace to all of you.   (Shelly  Clark  )  Class of 73!

To the Family of Coach Waddell,
I wanted to share my deepest condolences with you, but also tell you what an impact Coach Waddell had on my life and let you know his spirit lives on in me.  I am a BC grad class of 95'.  Coach Waddell nicknamed me ratchet jaw in his class freshman year and he called me that till I graduated!  Back then BC was a whole lot smaller and I tried to "focus" on one sport and not go out for football or track.  Coach tracked me down in one of my classes pulled me out to the hallway and gave me a lecture about my obligation to the school and the other students to be a three sport athlete.  Needless to say after that talk I played every sport in every season!  I have never forgotten that talk and it has motivated me to always think of my team, employees, family, and community first.  Thank you coach Waddell!  
Ben Yore 

My condolences to the Waddell family and to all who loved Gerry Waddell.  He was a man who made a difference in his community and his impact on countless students at BCPS is still appreciated.  I have many fond memories of him in the classroom, the halls, the gym and the football field.  Wherever he was, he shared a smile and positive word.  May you rest in peace dear Mr. Waddell!
Theresa (Schlepers) Dekker
BCPS Class of '75

Dear Bonnie,  It is with fondness and happy memories that I bring to mind all those events that took place over the many years that Rip’s and my 4 children went through the Byron Center school system and athletic program. We were there when the athletic Booster club was born, we were there for that exciting 20-0 season we were there when that gym was packed to overflowing crowds. I pray that Gods love and peace will surround you in the days and months ahead.  Love , BeverlyAnn 

I’m very sorry to hear about Mr. Waddell’s passing. I had him for a teacher and a coach. We had a lot of great BC history together .  Times I’ll never forget. And energy shared that most will never experience. Thanks for all the great memories I still think about and share.  And for giving so much of yourself to so many of us kids. People like you are what made growing up in Byron Center a blessing. My sincere condolences to his dear family and friends. If you never had him as a teacher or coach you really missed out on some great experiences.

I first met Gerry when I was an 8th grader at what was then Byron Center Jr. High. It was his first year at BC - he was my science teacher!  Next came knowing him as a teacher to my kids and as the athletic director who hired me to coach volleyball. Finally, we were peers both teaching at BCPS. He was a good man who was loyal and caring and supportive. I will never forget him. Love to Bonnie and family. 

My deepest condolences to Bonnie, and the children, grandchildren, many friends of Gerry Waddell. He was one of my favorite teachers and he was a great man. I also remember Gerry when he worked at Winchester Cemetery as groundskeeper. My son is buried there and he would also stop and say hello when he saw me at the cemetery.  His passing is a great loss to Byron Center but his name and memory will live on in the hearts of many of his former students. 

He was such a great teacher, but more importantly, a friend. Bonnie, my sincere condolences 💐 

Bonnie, Wayne and Rebecca ........I am so sorry to hear of your husband/Dad's passing. He was so special to the entire Moore family. He was so special to so many people, he was so special to all of Byron Center.  Thank you for sharing him with all of us ....he changed so many lives.  Bet he was a wonderful Grandpa.

Thank you Mr Waddell

Dearest Bonnie ~ We just heard of Jerry's passing, and our hearts are broken. He will be deeply missed. We will always carry fond memories of Jerry's big smile, contagious laugh, and his deep devotion to BCHS athletics. He was not only a great boss and dedicated coach, but a friend as well. Please know that we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God cover you all with comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead. Blessings to you ~ 

Sorry for Bonnie and the kids and grandbabies,  God Bless 

Mr Waddell was one of my favorite teachers and a very positive role model.  
You will be missed.
Oh and "Keep Smiling"  (he told me that every day at school 🙂

Bonnie and Family,
We are saddened by Jerry's passing and pray that God's arms will be of comfort to you.

I feel blessed having met and seeing you and Jerry each winter.  Sharing the same birthday and graduating from the same college as Jerry only enriched our friendship.

God Bless all of you!  I will be wearing the Ferris T-shirt Jerry gave me on our birthday!




A good man and an excellent teacher.  Had him for middle school science

Terry Balko 66

Jerry, 

You are one of the rocks that my teaching career is built on.  I am so thankful for you and all of the other original BC teachers that showed me the way in education.  Your dedication to and love of education was evident in everything you did. 

May you rest in peace and live on through  each succeeding generation.

Leon Slagter

Dear Bonnie, Becky, Wayne, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing.  Jerry was a wonderful and very caring friend and teacher.  He touched so many and have left us all with so many wonderful memories.  Our Sports Boosters Days were always fun.  He will always be remembered at Byron Center Schools for everything that he did for “The Kids”!

Love and prayers,
Dale & Marilyn VanSingel

Mr. Waddell was one of my favorite teachers. He was also one of my  Mom's, Barb Holzgen, favorite co-workers. My most vivid memory was that of him generating enthusiasm amongst the student body on "Spirit Day." I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. 

I never met a teacher that cared more about the student/athletes than Mr. Waddell. You will be missed and your family will be in my family’s prayers! Class of 95.

Mr. Waddell was my all time favorite teacher. He really helped a shy girl open up some and have more confidence.  I have nothing but good memories of being in his classroom.  He will be greatly missed.   Sandi Hardin class of 69


OBITUARIO

Gerald Waddell

21 octubre, 1934 – 23 agosto, 2021

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