The Passing of Gerald Dean

My name is Debbie Hodnett and Gerald M Dean was a very dear friend of mine.

Last week I found out my friend, Gerald, died on August 25, 2008.
I found out by chance. A friend of his went to an old email and set a note to those of us who didn't work directly with him (Thanks Gloria) and thus wouldn't have gotten notification. You know those emails, the ones with random jokes that made you laugh out load at your desk at work.

I too went back though old emails and compiled a list of email addresses and started sending out notifications to all who may not have heard. As I sit and read the notice of services being prepared for my friend I am not compelled to attend. I have no unfinished business to make peace with. But I do want to celebrate him, Gerald, his life and his love of it and what he shared with his friends. I wanted to share this with the people who I have met and heard about. We, his friends, family, who perhaps have a different and unique experience of Gerald.

It is my hope that friends of Gerald, all around the world (Netherlands, France, Germany, United States) can come here and make a contribution and remember our friend. Tell a great story of how you met, of your last conversation, or tell how he gave you hell about yourself as only Gerald could. In giving you hell he made you accountable and a better person. In sharing this information we can continue to share that love that Gerald gave us all.

I love you Gerald

Debbie