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Obituary of Charles J. "Jerry" Flora by Charles J. "Jerry" Flora. One of my survivors will have to put in the date because as I write this shortly after my 80th birthday, I have no clue when it will happen. But on that date, I, Charles J. "Jerry" Flora, will have kicked the bucket. There is no sadness in this because I have simply done what so many before me have done and all others will do. Just think what a mess this biosphere would quickly become if none of us ever bit the dust! But enough of that. This is my obituary and I am supposed to talk about the stuff of my life, at least some of it; so here it goes. JOYFUL THINGS: The most joyful event in my time on terra firma was (is) getting to know a young lady teacher named Amelia Rosemary Germain. Marrying her in 1950 was by far and away the best thing I have ever done. Together we had four beloved children: Deva, Chris, Kim and Lise. Then three equally beloved grandchildren: Etosha, Addeson and Keana. Rosemary and I worried together over all matter of things financial, educational, political, professional and parental. When we grew too old to focus on such youthful endeavors, we became certified SCUBA divers and proceeded to investigate living reefs (bioherms) in many parts of the world's oceans. This brought us into contact with people in many wonderful places including the Republic of Kiribati and enriched our lives to the end. The second most joyful event in my time was joining the faculty of Western Washington College of Education (now WWU) and confirming my expectation that, for me, teaching young people would be the most exciting, stimulating and rewarding possible profession. In the final throes of my existence, I was privileged to join bi-weekly luncheon sessions with eight other old men where we talked about WWU as we remembered it. We also expanded on our military years and tried to remember, though usually in vain, our testosterone driven times. A third joyful event was doing research and teaching in the Tabwiroa Secondary School on Abaiang in Kiribati. This brought Rosemary and me into contact with the sisters of our Lady of the Sacred Heart on Tarawa where we met wonderful ladies who have devoted their lives to educating the children of this remote island nation. Among them was Sister Margaret Sullivan who in my view should be canonized for her sacrifices. Our teaching there caused us to bring two young Kiribati ladies, Beretita Tawaia and Taoata Muller, to our home in Whatcom County where they lived for three years and earned Associate of Arts degrees from Whatcom Community College. STUPID THINGS: My life has been fraught with stupid things, mostly because of what Rosemary refers to as my macho tendencies. As a college youth I once tried to swim across the Wabash River as the winter ice started to break and sought to earn money by parachuting at air shows. The latter earned me three right hip replacements in my later years. As I grew older and wiser, machismo declined but never disappeared. As I approached my 77th year, Rosemary and I were riding in a small wooden boat in the Tarawa Lagoon with the president of the Republic of Kiribati, Anote Tong, at the helm and his two children as crew, when I shouted at the body guards in an escort boat, "WAHOO, WAHOO!" to stimulate a race in the choppy water. The products of this were compression fractures of my lower vertebrae and I was evacuated by a Lear jet to Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. Rosemary was much too tough to be damaged. Also, too many times, I scuba dived too deep and stayed out too long mostly because my wife was too eager to get one more wonderful under-water photograph. All together, I had no right to live this long, but am glad I did. EXCITING THINGS: Surely the most exciting event in my married life was watching one of our children enter this world. Being Western's president was exciting at first but might better be listed above stupid things. I accepted the job out of vanity, but once that wore off, I was left with enormous periods of boring letter writing, budget preparing, etc. Some student protests were exciting and on occasion an accomplishment was rewarding. But, on balance I wish I had stayed in the classroom working with young people. The most exciting professional events of my life were teaching field courses here and in the Pacific islands; and the most fabulous of these was a nine week summer course in which Rosemary and I escorted thirteen bright upper division students to reefs on several islands in the central Pacific Ocean. I must mention that in Somu Somu Straits in Fiji, the entire group came close to death. If you want to know more about this dreadful event, call one of the participants, e.g., my old friend and colleague, Philip (Pete) Ely, 1-509-592-7972. MISCELLANEOUS STUFF: Attending Purdue University, a summer at U. of Wisconsin, a year at Manchester College and earning graduate degrees at the University of Florida were good things to do. Spending some time in the US Army Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean conflict was interesting. Working with Al Swift at KVOS doing Tidepool Critters was stimulating, doing the weather for Andy Anderson on the 10:30 report for a couple of years was O.K. but caused me enormous embarrassment for reporting one night that "the terrible drought in Missouri had killed 3 ½ chickens that day," when I had meant to say 3.5 million. Working with Jerry Kraft to study Lake Whatcom starting in the 1960's was good, helping to create the Sundquist Marine Laboratory in Anacortes was splendid as was helping Huxley College come into existence and so much more made life truly wonderful. Being close to Sam Kelly, Alan Ross and Frank Atwood as they gave birth to the Whatcom Community College (without walls) is a great memory and teaching there for a year after I retired was good even though walls had been added. Though never a skillful writer, I helped produce a few things. The most rewarding book was The Sound and the Sea, co-authored with Eugene Fairbanks; rewarding because it enabled Rosemary and me to buy some nice furniture. Normal College Knowledge was a joy to write and working with the old men of the Lunch Bunch to help create WWU! As it was, was a fine capstone to later life. My most satisfying writing experiences had to due with Pacific islands e.g. The SHRIMPER's Maui, Abemama an Atoll, and Karakinakin Tianeia (seashore stories). The most boring was Seashore Activities which I was sure I would be struggling with on my terminal day but to my surprise I finished it even though I hated it. There were other things too such as a few papers including some about microatolls with co-authors Pete Ely and Rosemary Flora, an instructional manual, accreditation reports and things I can't recall at the moment. CONCLUSION: College professors, especially old ones, tend to yammer endlessly. I had thought to list the names of more people who were especially important in my life but there are way too many. The Bellingham Herald and the Lynden Tribune combined are not big enough. Thank you all and have a good life. Cheers, Charles J. "Jerry" Flora". Memorials in Jerry's name may be made to the WWU Foundation, 516 High St., Old Main 430, Bellingham, WA 98225, directed to the Biology Dept. A Funeral Mass was held. A grand celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Memorial Day, Monday May 26th at 1 PM at the JERO Farm, 6618 Lunde Road in Everson, WA. View Jerry's obituary notice in his own words and share your memories and photos at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Jero Denli Bunch.
Lately I've been reading a lot, fiction and other things lately, working my way through several books from John Steinbeck, 'Cannery row, 'Grapes of Rath' , 'Long Valley' etc., and now
"The Log of the Sea of Cortez".
Can't recommend it enough to feel those passions from a scientist, biologist and humanitarian
Interesting to find myself reading along with the best collectors of marine science in the Baha, and basking in the memories of an other Giant,
Our friend, Dr. Flora.
J.michel Hopkins
August 16, 2016
From;
J.Michel Hopkins
"Hey Doc'!
Can we skydive into the campus again ...?!
See you there ...
Michel Hopkins
August 16, 2016
One additional tidbit only a Flora field trip nerd would remember;
The good doc drilled us not only with the species list, ( 22 including ) on an average hunt but we had to memorize the longest specific epitaph, anyone ???
{ strongliocentrosus drobachyensus } !
Who else could get 25 biology students bucket stomping up to their waist in ocean water going, "Dr.Flora What's this ...?!
P.s.
I want to go back to Washington,
Phoenix sucks now ...
Michel Hopkins
August 16, 2016
Ah, Dr. Flora,
'We knew ye well'.. ,
I was hijacked to assist in the fund raising for the Hawaii trip 'umm, those many years ago.
The Doc decided I was a 'senior' student and tasked me with the notion of organizing the banquet for funds for the trip. Students went out with instructions to beg, borrow or acquire seafood!?
Students came back with 30 lbs. of fresh sockeye salmon, (donated) another kid comes back with a burlap sack of oysters, ( donated ) another kid comes back with a bag of clams ... etc. etc. .
A chef friend of mine and I chose the basics for preparation and we multiplied up.
The dinner turned out well, well enough to impress two sponsors who funded the rental vans.
As the trip finished up, many students had enjoyed an opportunity of the tropical lifestyle of Lahaina ..
They were all saddened to close the trip and head home
.'m'hemm, some senior students had the foresight to decide, "do we want to go early, ? Or stay late. My dear friend Sue Khuel and I stayed late, rented a car and drive around the road to 'Hana, we slept on the grassy hills overlooking the other islands and swam in the "cream of wheat sands". ...
The 'Doc let us see another part of the world marine biology we would never have known ...
I was concerned about the wisdom of the expense, the 'Doc told me if I didn't go 'I was a bad person'.
I went as instructed.
"Best two credits I ever earned ..."
Michel Hopkins
August 15, 2016
Thank you Sir Jerry Flora for being one of our teacher at Saint Joseph, Tabwiroa (Kiribati) your presence with us means a lot to us (form 5 science). God bless you
June 20, 2014
I am incredibly thankful to have met Dr Flora as a Fairhaven student. Fieldtrip studies with him were inspiring and led to helping me shape a career in environmental education.
I loved that he did not rattle off all the names of species, but rather helped us learn the process of identifying species.
My love for and understanding of our beautiful PNW environments are gifts from having known such a spirited and inspiring teacher. I will continue to support the Environmental Ed goals of helping people connect to the land where they live.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Allain Van Laanen
May 23, 2014
I spent several years with Jerry as a youthful administrator during his time as president. We traveled together throughout the state, carrying a message about the importance of the higher learning. He taught me much then by demanding that I expand my vision of the university and what it could achieve. I do not have words to express my admiration for him as a mentor and a person. I regret that I will not be able to attend the Jero celebration. There will be many great stories to share.
Steve Inge
May 20, 2014
Dr. Flora was my faculty advisor when I entered Western as a Freshman in 1958. What a wonderful experience having him as a teacher. He inspired me in my subsequent career teaching Biology students in secondary schools. After doing graduate work in, and practicing as a Psychologist then Counsellor, before retiring I returned to my love of teaching Biology and served as the Science Dept. Head at a large school on Vancouver Island (B.C.) Never forgetting his enthusiasm, I tried to model myself after him as an instructor.
My condolences to his family, whom I met many, many years ago at their home in Bellingham.
Mavis (Emmons) Pareis
April 20, 2014
Maybe Jerry never knew that because of his 9 week Pacific Reefs course in the mid-1990's I pursued a career in marine biology and have become a professor studying coral reefs at the University of the Virgin Islands. I wrote by email about 8 years ago, with no response and someone told me they thought he had passed a few years ago, so I never tried to reconnect : ( I wish I had been more persistent! Thanks Jerry! R.I.P.
Tyler Smith
April 1, 2014
Farewell to a great neighbor and friend, and to a great leader.
Jennifer Yanco
January 22, 2014
Rosemary and family,
Gail and I were sorry to hear of Jerry's death. We remember the kindness you both showed to us when we arrived on Abaiang and discovered that we had no living quarters. We were strangers and you took us in.
Gail also recalls with great joy the day Jerry introduced her to snorkeling. It was a unique experience for her.
Jerry and I disagreed on a few minor matters but one day I said, "Jerry, I don't always agree with you, but I always respect you".
To paraphrase the poet Longfellow, "Great people leave footprints on the sands of time", and Jerry has left many of his on the sands of the Pacific atolls.
Jerry, may you walk in green pastures.
Sincerely,
Gail and Clarence McKibbon,
New Brunswick, Canada.
January 22, 2014
One of my cherished memories was a Yoga trip to Costa Rica with Lise Flora Waugh. A big part of the trip was spending time with Dr. Flora and his lovely wife and their sharing stories of their trips to so many other exotic lands. I am so grateful to have had that experience. Dr. Flora was an extraordinary man who enriched my life and I thank him for it. Namaste.
Cindy Bauer
January 21, 2014
I loved Tide Pool Critters as a child! One of my favorite memories of Dr. Flora was being with his son Chris one day. We were heading out to do something and Chris said he needed to get some money first. We parked at WWU just as Dr. Flora (complete in graduation regalia) was leading a long line of graduates in a march across the campus. Chris unabashedly walked up to his dad and asked for money. Dr. Flora, not missing a beat, pulled up his robe, fished out his wallet and handed Chris some money, all in even stride.
Karen (Myhre) Whittet
January 21, 2014
Jerry Flora was the best and kind man rest in peace Jerry and may God Bless your soul we mis you so much old student from Tabwiroa Saint Joseph's College.....your names was all over the news on radio christmas for about 3 days now
Tawiita Tonganibeia
January 13, 2014
Dr. Flora was a great inspiration to me my first year at WWU in the 80s. His excitement for science and the processes of questions and answers confirmed and strengthened my passion for science to this day (I am now a science teacher). I fondly remember often talking with him after class and then walking with him to his office as I was drawn into what he was saying. He was a forward thinking, hard working credit to the university and our community.
Ted Matts
January 12, 2014
Dr Flora touched my life in so many ways. After a horrible incident my first year at Western he took me under his wing and he and Rosemary gave me a great dog: Dylan. I had the privilege of assisting with one of his Adventures in Science summer classes. He shared his knowledge, wisdom, humor, and compassion with me during many lunches, field classes, and camping trips. He taught me how it looks to love what you do for a living, something that has shaped my whole life.
With his obituary Dr Flora made me smile, one more time.
Lee Ann Dawson
January 2, 2014
Jerry Flora was one of those guys who I always knew when he was at the house visiting my parents. He had a great laugh, a nice man, and had a warm smile. The Tide Pool Critters mascot, Homer Lithe, now lives at my house, 50 years after the TV Show.
Thank you Jerry. It was a great life.
Lauri Swift
January 1, 2014
Our families grew up together on the same block. Dr Flora and my dad Dr. Christman were both professors at WWU. I have great memories of that time including looking for creatures in tidepools at Larrabee State Park. A wonderful man with an exceptional family. Dr. Flora has left a legacy and will not be forgotten. With Love and Prayers
Maribeth Joy
January 1, 2014
Jerry Flora, you are truly missed, and we Abemama Family truly missed you too in our Life............R.I.P.....and May He embrace you in his hands.....hopefully he will.........Miss you much Jerry Flora........
From
Abemama Family in Kiribati.
Tiba Bonto
December 30, 2013
I will remember Jerry with great admiration. What fun I had filming Tide Pool Critters!
Amy Swift Donovan
December 30, 2013
Dr. Flora gave me soooo very much: knowledge, perspective, delightful stories, memories and unforgettable images. I regret that the only things I ever gave him were worries, headaches and his first (maybe only) Ramphotyphlops braminus. Flora had said that he would give anyone who found one an “A” in the class… I didn't care about the grade, but the challenge was cast.
So after the day, the chores and studies were done, I went out, flashlight in hand searching night after night….oh the things I saw! SPIDERS and SCORPIONS and CENTIPEDES OH MY! (Still gives me the night-willes!) But alas no Ramphotyphlops braminus until……
It was our last night on Maui at Camp Pecusa, I needed to get my laundry done before I could pack in the morning to head home to Washington State; but as I approached the laundry area, I discovered that everyone else was trying to do exactly the same thing so I set my dirty laundry (which was in a large black garbage bag) outside the laundry area on a small damp cement slab. I went back to my hut and grabbed my flashlight (and extra batteries…a spooky and painful lesson learned) and trekked out alone into the undergrowth once more….determined to not get skunked, I spent way too many hours hunting for the elusive creature. Finally, discouraged and worn out, I tramped back to camp. I was just getting ready to climb into my cot (for the last time) when I remembered that I had not done my laundry. I reluctantly forced myself to head over to take care of the task, book in hand to help keep me awake. But as I lifted the half full, black garbage bag of laundry…. you can only imagine how surprised I was to find the little creature just lying there as if it had been patiently waiting for me!
The entire camp was sound asleep (except for me) and since it was the middle of the night, I was a bit apprehensive as to what reaction I would face to banging on Rosemary and Dr. Flora's door….(I did start off knocking ever so lightly but had to proceed to pounding since I was competing with the snoring coming from within their living space). Those of you that knew and loved him well know EXACTLY what expletive language and tone I was hearing just before the door was opened. Then the door swung open hitting the back wall… he saw me standing there (I am sure) with my eyes bugged out, my jaw hanging open and a closed hand at the end of a very outstretched arm.
It took me a minute to explain myself, I was in shock and awe…..he had just popped out of bed yet he opened the door with his pipe clenched in his teeth! Did he sleep with it there???? I did note that the cigar was not stuffed in the pipe at least. He did not have a happy look on his face, I got the distinct feeling that I should run but instead I got the giggles and he just said “WELL?” I rolled my wrist over and slowly unfurled my fingers… there squirmed Flora's Pilipino Blind snake….the very same that he had been searching for all of those years that he had been doing the SHRIMPER program. I will never forget him standing out there with nothing on but shorts, his shock of wild hair blowing in the night wind, his eyes gleaming while his ginormous grin exposed his teeth clenched pipe as he exuberantly rang the bell to wake up everyone in the camp!
Dr. Flora, will be truly missed.
He was a huge influence on me deciding to go into the field of Science Education.
With love and deep respect, Bev Mowrer, M.Ed., Science Ed.
Beverly Mowrer
December 27, 2013
A much loved and respected mentor! He knew how to push me in just such a way, and always with humor, that I rose to heights I never thought possible. I choose to remember him fondly, in what he claimed was one of his favorite places, on Maui, in the waters off Camp Pecusa, with a cigar; floating, smoking and singing...
Laurie Federico-Hoene
December 27, 2013
Many stories from the 1970's at WWU! I do believe he considered, on balance, creating the Sunquist Marine Laboratory at Shannon Point and Huxley College as being worth the Presidency. I was privileged to say, Yes Sir Dr Flora, we can do that.
Bob Aegerter
December 26, 2013
Professor Flora made learning FUN! I was lucky enough to take his introductory marine biology class (circa 1982) where we mucked around in Chuckanut mud. I speak for everyone who ever took marine biology from him: Cheliped! THANK YOU!
Lisa McClary
December 26, 2013
Jerry is the major reason I came to Western. Probably a good choice from my standpoint. When people complained about the smells from the parts of animals I tried to salvage, Jerry just laughed and said he had done similar things. I wonder what has happened to all the skeletal material we have left behind at Western?
Clyde Senger
December 26, 2013
December 26, 2013
December 25, 2013
I remember during Viet Nam a bunch of students had a sit-in in the president's (Dr. Flora's) office at Western. Rather than going Schwarzenegger on them, he brought in burgers and Cokes from Herfy's and joined the kids. He was a heckuva guy.
mark Buckley
December 25, 2013
Chris, you have large boots to fill. Maybe Ted can help you with that! A few years back, I chatted with your Dad at the Squalicum harbor boathouse, at his former colleague's memorial, just after he eloquently and humorously spoke at the podium. The memorial was for Loren Webb, who also was an old friend of mine... I asked your Dad how you were doing with the home you were building and he said, " Chris is doing well but, has not finished his project, yet." Well, I say we all need some unfinished projects and lots of irons in the fire! It keeps the wheels turning and the fires burning as we follow the paths of our parents, teachers, and our own spirit!
ahoy!
Ranny
Ranny Mann
December 25, 2013
I had several courses at Western with Dr. Flora, and they were a gift. He was a wonderful teacher and a terrific person. He was kind enough to invite several of us to his home for dinner - something a college kid doesn't forget. And, god almighty, that man could talk loud! He will be terribly missed.
Dave Risvold
December 25, 2013
Dr. Flora was my absolute favorite professor. A very fun and wonderful man.
Phil Wyman
December 25, 2013
I remember Mr. Flora from Tidepool Critters in my youth, from my years of study at WWSC, and as local weatherman. He was a good man and the world is better for his having stopped in.
Maura Wahl
December 25, 2013
His wealth of knowledge was spread in his cheer to any and every stranger. I am blessed to have known him and will cherish his wise words for the remainder of my life.
Alisa Kayser
December 24, 2013
He was truly an exceptional person! If his example were followed by more people, our world would be a better place!
David M. Hall
December 24, 2013
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