Gerald Walker

Gerald "Jerry" Walker

If we San Franciscans are ever at a loss to thank the Catholic Church, we can indeed feel blessed for it sent us Father Gerald who came to us, came out, and with charm and perseverance forever changed San Francisco.

Born Sep 11, 1924 in Flint, MI as Leonard Carl Wojtkowiak to Julius & Lucille, he was drafted at 18 for WWII Army Air Force. Leaving as a Sergeant in 1946, he became a monk entering Holy Cross Benedictine Abbey in CO, where he taught English, Music & Latin for 21 years semi-cloistered under solemn monastic vows of poverty, chastity & obedience. While there he earned his B.A. in Philosophy from St. Benedict's College in 1950 and then in 1954 was Ordained as Father Gerald Walker, O.S.B. He continued his studies and in 1958 was graduated from Notre Dame with an M.A. In Education.

He left the Abbey and the Cloth in 1967, became Jerry and came out to San Francisco in every way.

In 1969 as Time published its infamous article naming homosexuality as a "pernicious sickness" with "lavender lapels", Jerry was already hard at work here dedicating his new life to freedom and beauty - and he gladly embraced the color. Meeting his beloved partner and artist Barry Swyers in 1973 they transformed a Noe Valley Victorian into a gorgeous incubator of art - A home to resident musicians, composers, designers, voice teachers, and of course Swyer's magnificent works of paper.

After becoming our 74th registered domestic partnership the fight for benefits began. He savored the recent successes in the military and with marriage equality. Jerry took on popes, politicians, journalists- anyone whose vision inspired correction. Nonetheless, no one applauded or thanked like Jerry did. A note typed on his Selectric along with his fabulous purple script under Barry's cover art was a real jewel in a mailbox.

"Without music, life would be a mistake." Retiring from the State (EDD) in the early 80's, his lifelong love of music led him right to his dream job in 1984 as a staff usher at Davies Symphony Hall. Especially dashing when tuxedo-clad, Jerry ushered with radiant glee, charming and befriending patrons, performers & fellow staff. He never retired.

But in April as liver cancer was diagnosed, fellow ushers, neighbors and musicians offered 24 hour hospice so he could die in loving hands at home. Handsome, sharp and charming until the end, Jerry elegantly ushered his own departure calling daily for champagne. Jerry died June 4, 2013, eagerly departing in his 89th year, the same as his beloved mother, Lucille. In addition to Swyers, his partner of 40 years, Jerry is survived by his goddaughter Lily, and his family of dear friends.