Gerald W. Haslam

Gerald Haslam was my favorite teacher at Sonoma State in the 70's. I think I was the only student to do a double take when he mentioned Merle Haggard in class. (Most students were listening to other music at that time) He'd always tell great stories about the oil fields. For me, he stood out! In such a good way. So sad to learn that he passed away a few years ago. Condolences to the family.

Gerry Haslam was not only a great writer but also a great human being. He was the dean of California writers. He was much more. For myself he was a compassionate and sympathetic friend.

Gerald Haslam was the most inspiring teacher I had the privilege of taking classes from in the early 70's. He kept me at the edge of my seat when he told countless stories of his youth in Central California. He made the stories of other fine authors of that era and that area come alive, and made me start writing. He would always tell us, "if you want to learn how to be a good writer, just WRITE!" I shared that often with my students during the 35 years that I taught 5th and 6th grade in...

I remember Gerry from my second tour of learning at Sonoma State, also when I was the first Sports Information Director for SSU (1979-81). We interacted in my role as a quasi-journalist and his as a writer. He always had the greatest factual tales of the [Central] Valley and was sometimes referred to as the chronicler of the Okies.

He will be greatly missed.

I took a linguistics class from Gerry in 1981. When he called my name, he said “ Mosconi? Any relationship to Monk? Like Gerry I was born and bred in Bakersfield. Turns out my uncle Marv was his football coach ( and Merle’s in high school. I never knew my uncles nickname was Monk ( due to his tonsured bald spot. When I told my uncle about taking a class from Gerry... his response was... Smart kid.. good player... but Merle was better. Gerry loved that. His class was one of the hardest...

Gerry and I were friends for 54 years beginning when we both taught at Sonoma State. He was amazingly talented, committed to his art and to his teaching, but also committed to the Valley he loved and to social justice. I last heard from him on March 25th in a letter that was both upbeat (about his family) and accepting (about his health). I have a box of letters from him saved over the years that I treasure now more than ever. He was one of a kind, and I was blessed to have been his friend.

I took several classes from Gerry Haslam in the late 70’s. He was a superior teacher, whether writer first and teacher second, there was absolutely nothing second rate about his classes. He was a good man, warm and compassionate.
May flights of angels carry thee to thy rest.

We enjoyed frequent visits with Gerry and Jan this year, masked but still laughing, in the oak-studded outdoors. Really grateful to have spent the hours together, and enjoy the many stories Gerry shared. We'll miss his presence in Penngrove. Anthony took this photo last June. We're holding the family in our hearts.

Gerry was a wonderful man and teacher. My grandfather, Hector Lee, loved to sit and talk with him about California and the stories they shared. I was privileged to take several courses from him during my time at SSU and remember several times passing by his office and seeing Grandpa there talking and laughing with him. I know he will be greatly missed. Our family is happy to make a donation in his honor. Sincerly, Cathy (Lee) Gascon