Jerry Lee Lane

1932 - 2015

Jerry Lee Lane Oct. 19, 1932 - April 17, 2015 Jerry passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2015, aged 82. He is preceded by his sister, Jean Martin, and survived by his devoted wife Gigi, children Carrie and Scott, and grandson Ethan. A devoted and loving husband, Jerry and Gigi were to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary this July. They were inseparable and truly enjoyed their time together. Jerry and Gigi loved to travel and entertain. Their family logged countless memories of excellent food and great times. Born on October 19, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, to Harold and Edna Lane, Jerry graduated from El Monte High School in 1950, later earning a BA in Bus. Admin. from L.A. City College in 1955. Jerry was a Navy man for over 20 years, joining in 1952 and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He spoke often of his travels in the Navy, calling at ports throughout the world. Jerry's children still remember his monthly trips to Treasure Island to fulfill his Navy Reserve duties. After active duty in the Navy, Jerry built a successful career in group insurance and employee benefits. As Jerry rose through the ranks of such distinguished firms as Pacific Mutual and Peat Marwick, he was transferred to Kansas City to become Regional Manager. In Kansas City he and his then-wife Marian had their first son, Scott. Jerry's further successes led him to the Bay Area in the early 60's, where he settled for his remaining years, and where his second child Carrie was born. By the mid-1970's, Jerry founded J. Lane Associates. Almost immediately, and spanning over three decades, Jerry's firm posted increasing success and prosperity. By 2005, Jerry sold his firm and retired. Always active throughout his life, Jerry played water polo and swam competitively in his youth. As a member of Novato's Marin Country Club for the better part of 50 years, Jerry took up tennis and honed his skills, maintaining a cadre of good friends who shared his passion for the game. In the end, only the relentless march of his Parkinson's/ dementia thwarted Jerry from playing tennis in his final years. Jerry loved children. He charmed all of his grandchildren Alexander, Sophie, and his most recent, Ethan. Everyone could see Jerry's joy with children and his ability to connect with and entertain them. We remember Jerry for his kindness, generosity, and zest for life. Jerry was always positive, always upbeat. Though Parkinson's /dementia slowly robbed him of his charisma and wonderful sense of humor, that does not diminish his rich, vibrant life. We will remember him for how bright his light shone, how much he made others smile, and for his warmth and goodwill. Goodbye, Jerry. Goodbye Dad. Farewell Bapa. We love you. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.