Gerald F. McLeod

Gerald F. (Jerry) McLeod OCEANSIDE -- Jerry McLeod was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 2, 1945. Despite a turbulent early childhood, he grew up to become an unusually kind, responsible and socially involved young man with a playful sense of humor. In 1961, he met his "soulmate," Ann Abbott, and they began dating. Their bond was so strong that they eloped in 1963, when Jerry was 18 and Ann only 17. Jerry joined the U.S. Navy that month, and they moved to Jacksonville Beach, Fla., where he was stationed on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga. Their only child, Jerry Jr. (J. J.), was born there in 1964, and by the time Jerry was discharged from service in 1965, all three were back in Dallas. He was already an amazingly mature young man - joking often, but taking his responsibilities very seriously. During the 70s, Jerry started working in the "oil field" and was eventually transferred to California. Living in California was considered a real blessing, and he enjoyed traveling to beautiful places like Big Sur. Unfortunately, in the early 1990's Jerry was injured on the job, resulting in multiple surgeries and severe chronic pain for the rest of his life. Despite his constant agony, Jerry persevered with such courage and stoic grace that most people never knew what he was going through. After the birth of their first granddaughter, Jerry and Ann moved to Oceanside, where Jerry became a leading civic figure, serving on the Oceanside Planning Commission and the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee for the Vista Unified School District. He felt that serving the community he loved was a sacred duty, and he was very proud to be of service. When Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2009, it was a blow to them both. When Jerry was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma the next year, life became even more challenging. Despite his deteriorating physical condition, he continued to remain active in the community, but his top priority was his wife's health and happiness. He used every ounce of his remaining strength to take care of her until the very end. Jerry finally found the peace he deserved for so long on February 25, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Ann; son, J.J.; "adopted" daughters, Teri and Shannon; and granddaughters, Alanna and Alyssa. His generosity was so deep that he donated his body to the UCSD Medical Center. There will be a private family service, and we hope everyone whose lives he touched will pause to remember him now and then. Instead of flowers, he would prefer that his friends consider becoming involved in the community, organ donation, or donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Alzheimer's Association. "We will always miss you, Jerry, and you will always be remembered for your unending kindness, generosity, laughter and love." Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com