Gerry COULTER

On the top floor of the McGreer building on campus, there is a bookshelf in the hallway, with a sign on it that says simply: "Free". The shelves are filled with used books for donation to students, faculty, or staff at Bishop´s University. Coming out of a meeting with one of my professors, I decided to peruse the shelf, and came across an old copy of Marx´s Grundrisse. At first glance, the book appears to have taken a beating. Doodles in blue ink mark the side pages of the book, and you will giggle if you see the cover when you see that Marx´s eyes have been coloured blue. On the inside cover, is marked "Gerry Coulter, Graduate Student, Dept of Sociology, Queen's Univesity Kingston Ont. January 11 1988."

He left many notes in the book, some of which are very hard to read, all of which are marked in blue pen. Unfortunately, I never met Dr. Coulter. I began my studies at Bishop's University in the Fall of 2020, about 4 years after his passing. But his meticulous notes amid the crooked circling and underlining of text seem to express a person´s hand that once moved in the jagged and hurried throes of fierce study. On each page, there are at once Marx´s thoughts, and those of this excited and brilliant thinker who was discovering his own as he prepared his Master´s thesis. The passion in his marginalia made me want to find out more about this person. I also hoped that perhaps, by some chance, I could find him, as I felt this may be a person who would appreciate having this beautiful document of his past returned to him.

It´s this intent that brings me to write this message now, on a webpage in honour of his memory. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, and what a loss his presence has meant to his students, colleagues, friends, and family. From reading your descriptions of him, I have the sense that his legacy lives on not only in his intellectual works including the margin notes of his old books, which a lucky student can discover and cherish. Your descriptions of Dr. Coulter as a person - his humour, his intellect, his generosity, his patience, his skill, his sense of community, his kindness - all of these are values that continue to be emulated in the academic and social culture he left behind at Bishop´s. And I am honoured to count myself as part of his legacy - as I know I will try to bring these values with me when I leave.

As Marx says in the book, and as Dr. Coulter underlined and noted in the margins several times: "Production is - and has always been - a social activity. To talk about production by the isolated individual is addle." I hope it will be a comfort to those who grieve his memory to know that Dr. Coulter contributed to the production of something that is indeed social, which extends to the social life of the university - through the scribblings of a blue pen, and through the placement of a bookshelf of free books in a faculty building. I do not know how his book ended up on that shelf. But knowing well the university life he helped to build, I am guessing he would have been happy it is being shared for free.

My sincere condolences to all who knew him. If any friend or family member wishes to have his copy of Grundisse, please feel free to be in touch with me at [email protected]. And even if no one claims it, please know it will certainly have a special place on my bookshelf.

First we contact on Internet, then we met at Baudrillard Memorial meeting in Paris (2010). I'll remember him as a very gentle,very helpful man with deep sense of humor.

I just learned of Gerry's passing. What a terrible loss. To me, Gerry was "Bernie," my friend, supporter, and mentor back at Queen's University in the late 1980s. Bernie was such an important influence in shaping my outlook, and such a key factor in ensuring my success as a student. I owe so much to Bernie. I am consoled by the fact that Bernie was always able to follow his heart, pursue his passions, develop his intellect, and continue to spread his positive and encouraging magic to so many lucky students over his many years in academia.

To the family of Gerry Coulter my deepest sympathies for your loss. May the fond memories of your loved one bring comfort while you receive the strength to endure as only God can provide.

Mary Ellen - what a shock to get this news. Such a tremendous loss. My heart goes out to you. In sympathy, Janet

Mary Ellen. I am so sorry to hear of Gerry,s death. Many fond memories of you and Gerry at St. Thomas More College, where it all began for the two of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Claude and Judy Lang, Saskatoon

What a shock. Gerry was a gentle giant both physically and academically. Vini Mosco and I co-supervised his doctoral thesis at Carleton. My deepest condolences to Mary Ellen, whom I also supervised. They were an incredible pair. He adored her. Gerry was an outstanding researcher, teacher and most of all, human being who has been taken from us much too soon. We have all been enriched by having known him.

Gerry - a great friend, colleague, occasional 'roomy' and golf partner. One of those people that are in the category of 'special' that will always bring a smile and warm memories to the heart.

I am so deeply sorry to learn that Gerry passed away. I taught Gerry and supervised his M.A. at Queen's and co-supervised his Ph.D. at Carleton. I was so proud of his great success as a teacher, scholar, and leader. He was a dear friend who left fond memories for me, Cathy, and our daughters Rosemary and Madeline. My most sincere condolences to Mary Ellen and his family.

Gerry was a unique professor. Thanks to him I discovered the world of Sociology and also Jean Baudrillard. He was more than just a professor, he was a source of inspiration and always encouraged me to push my limits. My sincere condolences to Mary Ellen, his family and everyone that knew him and loved him. Katherine