Eulogy:
We knew Mike and Gerry for over 25 years.
We were members of a service organization called Rotary International.
We Rotarians have 2 families, one where we are related by blood and the other where we are connected through service. We were “Partners in Service”, serving not only our communities locally, but communities in far off lands of the world. My husband , whom they fondly called Indi and I became close members of Mike and Gerry’s Rotary Family.
Mike was Governor of Rotary International and Gerry the First lady in the Northeast region of Ohio, (R.I. District 6650), during the year 1997-98. He was a member of the Rotary club of Perry Township.
PDGs Joe Gunther and Jack Maxwell from Canton club, PDG Emmett Riley of Dover club were his mentors, while Mike became my mentor 7 years later when I lead the district during the centennial year.
Traditionally governors’ spouses/partners develop special bonds. They used to attend every advisory committee meeting of the sitting governor, their suggestion were welcome and influenced the district’s working in a positive way. Gerry and Indu also had a special bond. During our last visit to their home, Gerry still showed recognition for him, with smile on her face, hugged him and kissed him on his cheek. The bond was still there!
She had no recognition for me!
We four of us have spent umpteenth number of hours together, working on projects to Educate the girls, Provide basic health care, Prevent diseases by providing clean water in different parts of so called Third World. We spent time with several Group Study Exchange teams visiting our district, selected scholars from our district and worked with large number of youth from all over the world, guiding them supporting them, appreciating their courage, their talents. One thing Mike was proud of was his leadership in establishing district’s web site. He did work with computer savvy Rotarians to accomplish it. He became member of a computer club in his late seventies and early eighties. It was amazing!
I respected Mike and Gerry as long as I knew them.
They were Gentle, they were Caring, they were curious about the world and Mike’s great asset was Managing! He was not only manager of JC Penny at work but he managed his life. He managed his life till the last day, passing away on Thanksgiving Day, just four days after Gerry did.
They have wonderful sons like Dave, Rob and Steve, gracious daughters in law like Margie, Monica and Crystal along with eight grandchildren they were proud off, whom they simply adored, But not having Gerry beside him would not have been the same Thanksgiving for him. Mike Managed That Too! He did join Gerry.
Last month when I was visiting Mike in his home and Gerry was at Danbury Place, Mike became very emotional. He told me, “ Meena, I do not worry about myself. I want Gerry to be looked after well till her last day. I can live in this house, but I want to spend everything I have for her care”. I agonized over that separation!
My last conversation with Mike was the day Gerry passed away on November 18th. He told me that he wants me to give eulogy at Gerry’s funeral. I promised him, “I will”. I also told him, “ Mike, now Gerry is in a special place. Your worry is over. Now you need to concentrate on yourself, getting better”.
And Mike Smiled! He knew that his prayers were answered! Gerry was in a better place.
I did not know that I would be giving Eulogy for both.
He managed to join Gerry in early hours of Thanksgiving!
District 6650 is grateful for Mike and Gerry’s leadership.
Meena Patel