Sad Day
One year ago today my best friend and hunting partner of 55 years was laid to rest beneath Old Glory.
Gerhard (Gerry) was a Berlin trained toolmaker and escaped the yoke of Communist oppression and came to this country for a better life. Not long after arriving here he was drafted into the US Army and served in a Heavy Weapons Platoon in Germany. Gerry finished up his last 15 years or so at IBM in R&D. He was one of those guys that walked in a room with a Engineer and Scientist and shown a blueprint and then asked "Can you build it?" He took the IBM buyout and then was rehired for his expertise.
About 1.5 years ago he called me and wanted to talk to me but not on the phone. I knew he was probably gravely ill. When I got to his house he held my hand crying and told me he could no longer care for himself and was going to sell his house and live with his grandson. He asked me if he had anything that I wanted to remember him by. He handed me a 8MM Mauser that I had given him for Christmas many years ago and insisted that I take it back. He said I have been thinking about this a long time and I want you to take this to remember me by, it is my German Passport, my ticket to Freedom, my most prized possession. It has his picture, chest X-rays. seals, German Eagle, many pages, the whole nine yards.
It saddens me to no end some of the things that my friend witnessed last summer and Jan.6th. Some of these things he left behind when he escaped from Berlin. I hope we can do better. I know he is watching over us. I miss you Gerry. RIP dear friend.-----------------------------------Ray
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A sad read, 4205raymond. R.I.P. Gerhard
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RIP
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I feel honored to have read that tribute to your friend. Thank you for sharing.
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RIP Gerry.
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Truly a loss for many . sounds like he was a wonderful fellow in many ways
May he RIP
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Wonderful tribute to your dear friend.
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Prayers for your friend. He made a great American. Better than many born of the cloth. RIP Garherd.
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I remember.
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I spent many hours in the tool room with a master machinist / tool& die maker, he was certified to work on any nation - allied ship - Philadelphia Naval Shipyard during WWII.
His knowledge was profound ! ... He could fabricate damn near anything made of metal !
This was when all machine tools were powered by overhead belts and pulleys. His name was Clyde Gosnel. I will never forget him.
He and Gerhard, will find each other and share some stories !
RIP
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My heart goes out to you Ray. Close friends are rare in this life and to lose one hits as hard as losing family. May all of your cherished memories of good times spent, keep you forever close to Garherd.
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RIP Sir.
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Sounds like a fine man and great friend.
sorry for your loss.
Mule
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Thanks to all for your kind words. My little dog Willie and i have been to visit Gerhard twice in the Veterans Cemetery in Goshen, NY. Willie gets excited when i say lets go visit Gerry. Gerry always gave Willie a treat when we went to visit. Willie understands, we both have our memories. Gerhard on the left. -----------------Ray
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