Gerald loved to hold a baby or a small child in his arms. His observation would then be: "You can't be closer to God than when looking in the face of a child."
I would propose another image for Gerald.
God's first commandment in the Bible comes after he has finished creating human beings. God says: "Increase, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it" (Gen 1:28). Herein lies the invitation for us to be co-creators with God, to use our gifts and talents to further God's creative action in our own world.
Gerald took this invitation literally, and it became the guiding light of his life. With his devoted and loving wife, Rita, he created a family of 9 children, 35 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, most of whom are here with us for this celebration.
His creativity flowed out and improved our world through his inventions. Those inventions are still touching and renewing our earth through the business he established which is being carried on by his son, Don.
Many of us here have been the beneficiaries of Gerald's creative thought through his many marble boards, clocks, diamond willow walking sticks, and many other projects.
I had the great blessing with My Love of living nearby Gerald for ten years in south Texas. In that time I observed his creativity in action often. Because his creative mind was continually churning, it became a challenge for us to think up projects to keep him occupied, as much for his own good as for Rita's sanity.
For instance, at one point I made the mistake of purchasing a 22 foot sailboat on a trailer. The trailer needed serious attention. So I said to Gerald: "How can I get the boat off the trailer so I can fix and paint the trailer?" He said, "Let me think about it for a week." One week later, he came to me and asked if I could get 2 lengths of old fire hose. Because I knew the Fire Marshall through my work, I was able to acquire the hose. Gerald then made 2 slings, and with 2 come-alongs we hoisted the boat off the trailer, hung it from the rafters in my shop, and proceeded to repair the trailer.
Tonight I would like to thank you, Gerald, for revealing to us the face of our Creator God. Through you I have been able to know God the Father, our Creator, in the flesh.
As we look at history, we find men named Alexander the Great, William the Conqueror, and Richard the Lionhearted. To me, you will always be Gerald the Creator.
