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Gerald Latimer Obituary
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Gerald (Jerry) Maxwell Latimer, 69, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2013, after a short illness. Cause of death was cancer.
Jerry was born August 30, 1943, in the Cook Field Oil Camp, near Albany, Texas, to the late L.S. (Sundown) Latimer and Della Brooks Latimer. He attended public schools in Albany and Lueders, TX, where he graduated in 1961 as valedictorian. He attended (then) North Texas State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English (with a teaching certificate) in 1964.
After college, he lived in Albany, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, working in retail and the insurance business. In 1970, he moved to San Francisco which became his second home. He gave excellent tours of the City as an "unofficial" ambassador for San Francisco. He worked in market research and was employed for the last 28 years by Ecker & Associates, a leading market research firm, as a focus group recruiter. He retired from the company earlier this year.
Jerry found a calling as a certified aquatic exercise coach/leader for senior adults and those challenged by arthritis and other associated conditions. He continued with this work even when he could no longer get into the pool. He formed many strong and long-lasting friendships with his students. He enjoyed the Senior Center at St. Francis Lutheran Church serving on their Senior Committee. Jerry was a blessing to all who knew and loved him and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an older brother, L. D. Latimer.
SURVIVORS: Sister, Billie Sue Offield and husband, Malcom of Breckenridge, TX; brother, Don Latimer, and wife, Dolores of San Diego, CA; brother, Ron Latimer and wife, Joy Ice of Morgantown, WV; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and beloved friends, especially Iris Vaughan, Allen Joy, and Ellen Dorsey-Pargeter, who provided such loving care. A special thanks to the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: A memorial gathering will be held at St. Francis Lutheran Church at 152 Church Street, on August 28, 2013, at 1:00 pm. A gathering of family and friends in Texas will take place at a later date. Ashes will be interred in California and Texas, the two states that he called home.
MEMORIAL GIFTS: In Jerry's memory may be sent to:
St. Francis Lutheran Church Attn: Senior Center - Jerry Latimer Memorial Fund 152 Church Street San Francisco, CA 94114
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Latimer
Barbara Powers
August 29, 2013
Jerry, just wanted to let you know it was such a pleasure to have worked with you for 27 years at Ecker & Assoc. During that time, you shared much about your family and now, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of them. I was unable to meet your sister, but her love showed through in what her daughter read at your service. May you rest in peace and may your family and friends have happy memories. Love, B.P.
Leigh Haynes
August 28, 2013
Jerry, you were a great inspiration to me in Aqua Arthritis at the Y. Your cheer during class, and your funny stories and wisdom in the hot tub were something to look forward to. Thank you.
Arline Noce
August 27, 2013
Jerry was a hard working co-worker I will never forget. I will miss our conversations about his life in Texas and in S.F. He could tell a great story! He had a great memory and was very knowledgeable about lots of different topics. I will miss his unique Texan voice, I can still hear his voice now. I miss him dearly,however, I was honored to work with him for twenty years. Work is work, but when you have the privilege to meet and work with a great person like Jerry,it is not so bad afterall. Heaven has great person to add to the list. Sincerely, Arline
Kristen Basanez
August 24, 2013
Jerry,
I worked with you for 18 yrs, I am so very sad you are no longer here on earth. I started working with you when I was only 18 years old, you taught me a lot. I am very grateful to have known you. I will never forget you. Love, Krissy
Connie Stamas
August 23, 2013
Jerry, you are missed in the aquatics department of the Embarcadero YMCA, where you shared your many gifts. You will be remembered always and may you rest in peace.
Susan Terry
August 18, 2013
Jerry, You left us far too soon. I had the enormous pleasure of being your co-worker for almost ten years, but more important I treasure all the good times we shared as good friends, and that I am grateful for. I have very special memories of you, and will always hold them in my heart. I miss you so so very much. Rest in Peace my dear Jerry. Love Always Susan
Iris Vaughan
August 17, 2013
Jerry, you are gone from our sight but live in our hearts. It was an honor and a privilege to know you and I miss you terribly. Requiescat in pace, dearest friend, Much love, Iris
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