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Gerald Waugh Obituary

Gerald D. Waugh passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 26, 2013, after a brief illness. He was 71. He was loving and beloved, known variously as Jerry, Dad, Poppa J, and numerous other terms of endearment. He is survived by his son Jamie, daughter-in-law Jen, and grandson Andy; three older siblings and their spouses, Judy and Merle Neel, John and Donna Waugh, and Millie and Dennis Sites; niece Kathy Neel Loesch and her sons, Chris and Ryan; nephews Bill Sites and wife, Dan Sites and family, Rob and Josh Kimball, and Jim Waugh and family. He was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Joy Waugh, his niece Cammie Neel Kimball, and nephews John Andrew Waugh and Scott Waugh. Jerry was a graduate of UC Berkeley and a Vietnam Veteran who received the Bronze Star. A lifelong teacher and educator, he positively impacted thousands of lives during his career at Sacramento High School and Mesa Verde High School. Although he was known to describe himself as "the roadkill of the information super highway," thanks to the wonders of Facebook he was able to stay in contact with thousands of his former students. Jerry was always very proud of his teaching career and the relationships he built with his students. He will be sorely missed by his entire family and everyone else who loved him. "When you love someone, there is never enough time." That was an expression he was fond of and one that certainly applies to him. We all wish there had been more time, but the memories and the love will last forever. At Jerry's request, his immediate family held a private memorial. Since he had so many varied interests, contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sacramento Bee on Dec. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Waugh

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Gordon J Freeman

March 13, 2024

A great teacher, rest in peace sir.

Jennifer Estacio-McCarthy

December 23, 2023

It saddens me that I was not able to get myself together enough, to come back and see my favorite teacher before he passed. Me. Waugh will forever remain my favorite teacher. I know he knows what an impact he left on my life, as he kept my seat vacant after my accident.

Jennifer Estacio-McCarthy

December 23, 2022

After my near fatal car accident I had while Jerry was my teacher, I was saddened that I had been unable to visit with him, before his passing. It is because of him I had wanted to become a teacher. Affects from the accident prevented that, but I will forever remember Mr. Waugh, my absolute favorite teacher of all times!

William Wong

October 11, 2014

Your youthfulness, exuberance, kindness, and warmth will forever be burned into my memory. You have not only taught me to challenge myself, but you inspired me to love life and to try always to be a better person. I will always remember you for that. Rest in peace.

January 14, 2014

Waughdawg! I miss our lunches together with Janet and Sam, for these were the times where we truly discussed life: ours and inevitably, the students (even though we all agreed we needed to take a break from Mesa life during our private time, the conversation always seemed to include a student or two); I miss your candid sense of humor and honesty, your intelligence and counseling mentality. I miss your uncanny way of listening, sometimes just listening, kindly respectful that I really wasn't expecting feedback, but it was always welcome. I miss our meandering through your neighborhood as the unofficial 'Mayor of Arden Park,' witnessing the people flock out of their homes just to say hello to you. I miss attending concerts, ball games, movies, but what I miss most is your 'essence' because you were one of a kind. Rest in Peace my favorite friend.

January 12, 2014

R.I.P. Mr. Waugh.

Arlene Kassis

January 5, 2014

I came as a substitute to Mesa Verde High School about 20 years ago. Gerry made me feel very comfortable. I later found out that we had both graduated in 1960, he from Sac High and I from Bishop Armstrong. We knew a lot of the same people. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

January 2, 2014

My condolences to Mr. Waugh's family and friends. He was a great English teacher and I will always remember his boundless energy and great smile. Thanks for being such a great teacher. Janet Barnett, Sacramento High Class of 1971

Jennifer Estacio-McCarthy

December 29, 2013

I will truely miss Mr. Waugh! He is who I think ofwhen I think of who should teach!

Gina Locke- Sims

December 29, 2013

I will honor you.
Teaching
Loving
Caring
Taking time
Listening
Being present
I will honor you
Thank you

Maurice O'Ray

December 29, 2013

Jerry Waugh, was one of the kindest souls it has ever been my pleasure to know; a true original. Goodbye old friend.

Donna Adams

December 29, 2013

Jerry,

Darling Mr. Waugh, You inspired many and even those who were not in your class, you made us feel special. You KNEW us. Thank you for making me feel that way too! Your impact on the world will continue as you have touched so many. Yours was a sweet, pure, funny, intelligent soul and this world is left a better place because of you. Peace be with you always, kind sir. <3

December 29, 2013

Known Jerry since before I was born. He was very special to myself and my brothers Russ & Dick Anderson. We will all miss him so much. Donna Anderson Roth

Kerrie Shaffner-Huckaby

December 29, 2013

Ur in my thoughts

Melissa (Friesen) Kappus

December 29, 2013

My condolences to Mr. Waugh's family. He was an amazing man and a great friend. He could always bring a smile out of me even on some of my worse days. He always had time for me and never made me feel as if I was holding him back. I will miss him very much. Class of 89

Lisa Greer

December 29, 2013

Mr Waugh, there will never be a greater influential teacher than you! I am truly blessed to have had you my freshman year (1987), my senior year (1991), and reconnecting with you over these past 4yrs. You still took the time out to review my college essays and provided feedback. Thank you Lord, for putting someone in my life like Mr Waugh.

December 29, 2013

I will miss the laughter. Thank you so much for making any situation special.

-Lynnie

Mike Alexander

December 29, 2013

Me. Waugh I can remember when you first came to Mesa Verde. And then we were lucky enough to be in your class for the rest if our high school days. I so cherish those memories now. You were awesome. Such memories. The stories the friendship and guidance. I'm not sure if what you taught us in class or what you taught us about life was the most important. R.I.P. my dear friend

Jen Reuber-Spaller

December 29, 2013

Mr. Waugh was one of the most gracious people I have ever known. I am truly blessed because not only did I get to experience how amazing he was as a teacher but also a friend. He was so incredible because he remembered all of us individually with a
story, true dedication! Rest in peace sweet friend and thank you!

Clarice Campbell-Mason

December 29, 2013

I send my condolences to Jerry's family. I'm grateful to have had you as my teacher, as part of the Sac High class of' '71. As so many others, I'm grateful for the Facebook communications we shared. You conveyed a sense of valuing to each of your friends. Thank you my friend. Rest in peace.

Joe Balestreri

December 29, 2013

Jerry, It was great having you as a teacher and just a great knowing you in the last few years Joe Balestreri Sacramento High '71

Patricia Kampmeinert

December 29, 2013

Rest in Peace. Thank you for being a great teacher to our Class of 76!

Adda Joy Beehner

December 29, 2013

In loving memory of a great person who guided so many young people.

Robin Williams rositani

December 29, 2013

From a student. My condolences to his family.

Laurie Tsonetokoy (Croall)

December 29, 2013

Thanks for everything, Mr Waugh.

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