Remembering Jerry

I first met Jerry while attending Timberline High School. Someone brought a guitar to school, and a  conversation soon followed. It went something like this:

“You play guitar?”

“Yup.”

“Cool. Me, too.”

Thus began a life-long friendship. 

Jerry was like my second brother, and was soon involved in numerous adventures involving music, school, playing football, poker, billiards, bowling, or attending concerts or Seahawks games. 

With my brother Scott, Jerry would go for boat rides, water ski, or just come over to shoot the bull.

Jerry, Scott, Dick Kosoff and I spent hours in informal jam sessions, playing our versions of rock 'n roll favorites. I have to admit that in those days, what we lacked in ability, we certainly made up for in enthusiasm and most of all, volume. If our guitar amps went to “10”, somehow Jerry would find a way to turn his amp up to “11.” 

Jerry didn't have a mean bone in his body. But that doesn't mean he didn't like pulling pranks on his friends. I especially liked the off-center cue ball that more often than not made its way onto the pool table at his mom and dad's house. It seemed to get funnier every time it was used. 

And of course we paid him back by turning on the burglar alarm at his parent's house when he wasn't looking. We'd hear a click, then a short pause, then the ear-splitting siren alarm would go off, much to  everyone's amusement and Jerry's consternation.

Another prank of Jerry's is indirectly responsible for my career in the technology world. Jerry and I were at the old  South Sound Center Radio Shack store one day, and while I was getting my free battery with my “Battery of the Month” card, Jerry was busy typing away on the computer screen. By the time the salesman looked over at the computer, Jerry was long gone. A few minutes later, Jerry walked by that computer again, pressed the “Run” button, and the screen was instantly filled with the repeating message:

“Go jump in the lake!” ... actually it was a little racier than that, but you get the idea.

We left the store with the salesman none the wiser. I thought it was like magic, the way the computer obeyed Jerry's command. But it wasn't magic; it was just Jerry.

A more recent prank involved putting some left-over corn starch packing peanuts to good use. Jerry, Scott, and I played poker games at my mom and dad's house with a few of our other friends. Everyone would bring over something for the others to snack on during the game. I had to let Jerry in on the gag so that he wouldn't eat any, but we added some flavoring to a bag of cornstarch packing peanuts and set them out with the other snacks. 

One of the card players (our friend Lance) grabbed a handful of the starchy packing peanuts and began to munch away. Jerry, Scott, and I looked at each other and nearly burst trying to hold in our laughter. It was too much to bear when Lance reached in for a second helping of the packing critters. We laughed so hard that tears were streaming down our faces.

Memories of Jerry I'll keep forever include:

The time I spent a week in the hospital after having half my left lung removed. Jerry visited me every day.

Eating cashew pizza or a jake sandwich at Dirty Dave's.

Attempting to flatten a warped record with the heat from a heat lamp. (Note to self: it didn't work!)

Jerry, Dick, and I playing guitars aboard the Goodtimes II cruise boat in Seattle during our senior trip.

Jerry and I as marching partners when we graduated from Timberline in 1977.

Listening to local bands at Astair's downtown, or national acts at Key Arena.

Scott, Jerry, and Dick as my groomsmen when Margaret and I got married.

Jerry bringing me an autographed T-shirt the time I was too sick to meet amplifier inventor Jim Marshall when he visited Seattle.

Playing Monopoly for a penny on the dollar with Scott, Dick, and Lance.

How proud Jerry was when his dad, Tony, won the World Gin Rummy championship.

And most recently, my reaction when Paul Felix told me the news of Jerry's passing.

Jerry, my friend, my second brother, 
I'll continue to play it loud for you down here. 

Just like it says in Psalms 98 verse 4: 
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: 
make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Aloha, my friend.

To My best friend from St.Mikes....Rest in Peace...Dave Stolz

jerry had been such a great family freind. he had done more for my sister coco and my nephew  brandon than anybody ever had. I allways enjoyed visiting with Jerry, He was allways funny and really intelligent. He would give the shirt off his back to help his freinds. Jerry lived a good life and even though he left us way to young he will be remebered as a super nice guy with a big smile and a big heart. .

I have always loved working with Jerry. Putting up political signs in our county was always a fun pass time with him. He was smart, and a fun person to be with. I will miss his friendship.

Dear Tony and Mary, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I remember working for you, and that Jerry was always so happy to be around.  My prayers are with you.

I always enjoyed working with Jerry on Republican activities in Thurston County.  He was fun to be with. - Senator Dan Swecker

Jerry, I cannot thank you enough for the love and friendship you have given my dad throughout the years. You have always been, and will always be, such an integral part of our family and we are so blessed to have had you in our lives. You will forever be loved and remembered by us all.

Jerry my friend, we had a lot of escapades and adventures over the years in highschool, college, and after. Whether it was playing poker, playing guitars, going to concerts or Seahawks games, or just hanging out for a burger, our times were always special -- and as it turns out, too short. Rest in peace, brother. I'll turn the volume up to 11 down here for you. Aloha!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gerald Swatsky

12 avril 1959 – 10 juin 2011

Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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