Gerald Glassford Blaise

Gerald “Gerry” Glassford Blaise, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 56. Born on January 15, 1968, at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis to Drs. Gerard and Yolande Blaise, Gerry was the eldest son of a proud Haitian-American family. He was raised in a multi-cultural household, fostering a deep love for music, family, travel, and life’s adventures.

Gerry’s educational journey began at Oak Hill Elementary School, followed by Chaminade College Preparatory and Lalumiere School. It was at Lalumiere that Gerry’s first band collaboration, Guard 12 and the Harbor Masters, was born, marking the start of a long career as a band drummer.

In Columbia, MO, Gerry built a life with his former wife, Erin Shiree. He served as a realtor from 1997-2008, an account executive with KOMU TV from 2008-2016, and was a well-regarded member of the Columbia local rotary. In 2008, he was elected to be the Columbia MO Sunrise Southwest Rotary Club President, dedicating all his free time to community advocacy, charitable events, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

During his time in Columbia, the most significant brotherhood of his life came to fruition: Spankin’ Rufus. For a decade, this brotherhood created life-changing songs, traveled the tri-state area, and lived their best lives as brothers in music.

In 2016, Gerry earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and science, Sales and Marketing, and Asian Studies from the University of Missouri. He married Susan and they moved to Washington State with Gerry’s beloved dog Lucius and cat Mara.

Gerry’s journey then took him to Japan, where he worked as a Marketing Consultant for Obei Business Center in Fukuoka. His passion for Japanese culture, people, and linguistics led him to become the Founder and CEO of Ichigo Trading and Travel. He built a thriving business and had found his true passion.

As an extremely skilled musician, Gerry excelled in playing various instruments, with percussion standing out as his preferred choice. He composed countless hours of original recordings with his brothers from Spankin’ Rufus, including a soundtrack to a Mexican Wrestling/Luchador movie.

Revered by countless friends, Gerry reciprocated this affection wholeheartedly. His absence has been felt globally, yet his Big Love and charisma will endure within us indefinitely.

Gerry is survived by his parents, Dr. Gerard and Dr. Yolande Blaise in St Louis, MO, his sister Murielle Romine, her husband Clay Romine, and their three sons Jaxon, Cooper, and Parker of Denver, CO.

Family and friends will be gathering on June 10th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home at 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, Missouri 65202. Attendees are welcome to join at their convenience and are free to come and go during this period. Following the gathering, there will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM.