Gerald "Gerry" Edward Greenwood
October 15, 1947 ~ November 6, 2023
Born in:
Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
Walsenburg, Colorado
Gerald E. Greenwood, “Gerry”, passed away on November 6, 2023, in Pueblo, Colorado following a years-long battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.
Gerry was born in Brooklyn NY on October 15, 1947, to Robert R. Greenwood, Sr. from Brooklyn, New York, and Roberta Maxine Looney from Chickasha, Oklahoma. His father was career military, and the family was stationed throughout the USA and also had several tours in Germany after World War II. His father retired from the Army to El Paso, Texas, where Gerry spent his high school years. Gerry was a graduate of Andress High School in El Paso, Texas, where he was a star track athlete, with his team winning the Texas State Championship in Austin, Texas. After graduation from high school, he attended Howard State Junior College in Big Spring, Texas on a track scholarship. During the VietNam War, he was drafted and attended Navy Boot Camp at Great Lakes Michigan. He was honorably discharged after completing Boot Camp on a medical discharge. Gerry was larger than life and was always there as a friend to help others, from loaning tools or equipment and helping people move and work on their homes. He maintained lifelong friendships, some for many decades. Gerry was an avid outdoorsman for all of his adult life. He loved camping, hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, rafting, Mountain biking, and motorcycle riding. Many of his adult years were spent in Northwest Colorado where he was able to enjoy the outdoor activities he loved so well. He also enjoyed listening to music, reading books, and writing Poetry. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs and employment, including construction, laborer, lube mechanic, logging & sawmill operations, and welder. As a certified welder he worked in Dutch Harbor Alaska and at McMurdo Base Antarctica, as well as holding welding jobs at Ski Corp, TIC, and CB Tract in Oil Shale. He worked as a laborer and scaffold builder at Climax Molybdenum doing Hard Rock Mining and Conoco Refinery. Gerry spent time as a CDL Truck Driver and as a Bill Collector for Beneficial Finance. He worked security sometimes at Rock Concerts in Denver in the 1970s. His young adult life was spent in many locations, where he moved seeking new adventures and new experiences. He spent time in British Columbia Canada, Denver Colorado, Meeker Colorado, and Oak Creek Colorado, and finally retired to Walsenburg Colorado. Gerry was active in Routt County Politics and Organizations. He served on Oak Creek Colorado Town Board for several terms, and one term as Mayor of Oak Creek. He was on the Oak Creek Fire Protection Board and instrumental in cleaning up Town Park in Oak Creek after a flood left the Park in ruins. In later years, Gerry achieved 30 years of sobriety and Fellowship. He was a member of the Walsenburg American Legion Post 16 and Routt & Huerfano County Democrats. Gerry leaves behind his loving partner and caregiver Beth Kilmer, his brother Robert Greenwood, Jr and his wife Beth, brother Greg Greenwood, brother John Greenwood, and Sister Robin (Greenwood) Beckler. He is also survived by nephews Chris, Robert, and Marc, and niece Cheryl. He leaves behind a lifetime of dear friends and relatives. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium and Memorial services will be determined at a later date. In honor of Gerry and his love of dogs, please donate to ASPCA, your local Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
I remember choosing a large, colorful Disney book and you tried to talk me into getting one without any pictures. Gerry had a habit of disregarding the actual age of the children he was buying gifts for and I both loved and respected this and was, at the same time, a bit put off by it.
My brother: rambunctious, empathetic, loud, intelligent, kind-hearted, very “hands-on” and, I have always believed it and still do, the favorite of our mother. Which, of course, she was not pleased to hear me say and always responded with “I love all of you equally”. But you were the one who never let her forget that you were thinking of her and who also sent her flowers, which she absolutely loved and treasured.
I can’t imagine a world without you in it.
I plan to keep your memory alive and well and that for as long as I am alive. I will talk about you and tell people some of the wonderful things that you did and also tell them about the glint you got in your eyes when you were able to surprise somebody with nuggets of information that were totally unexpected. (I remember when you told our father about the “school incident” and he was so surprised that he nearly fell off his chair!!)
I will not let you be forgotten, even if it is on a different continent and the people will, unfortunately, never get to meet you.
My heart goes out to the people who loved and will continue to miss him.
It’s taken me sometime to gather my thoughts. My apologies if offended by some of the language (I’ll try and keep it clean).
I’ve always admired my BIG brother (7 years my senior) from the time of me as a boy. His thoughtfulness, integrity, ingenuity, humor, opinionated, tough guy, artistry, mechanica;l abilities (of which no gene was passed on to me), good looking, self-confident a little bossy at times. . . I’m sure there’s more.
First memories of him are of us in Germany. Dad was stationed there 3 times after the war . . . Bob and Gerry were there for the second and third tours and John and I only the third. I remember I wanted to go out and play and Mom showed me the snow was taller than I by a lot and of course said no. Although I didn’t see him, he went out and cleared a path to the see-saw (I remember a very sunny/bright day). He asked my Mom; she was very surprised Jerry had taken the time/effort for his little brother.
We move on to New York. Again, not sure exactly where. I remember before Dad left to work, in uniform, we would go in the back yard and Dad would assign chores (called Plan of the Day in military terms, of which all 4 brothers served in the Navy). After chores were assigned, Dad asked if there were any questions. I’m five so that makes Jerry 12. Jerry raised his hand. Dad acknowledged and Jerry asked: “How do I get out of this chicken-shi* outfit”. Even at my age, I couldn’t believe he said it. Then we were all sent in inside, except for him. Not sure what happened. When I visited in 2005, Aunt Joan confirmed my memory.
I’m assuming it happened in Oklahoma. Apparently, he had climbed over a tall wooden fence and there were protruding nails on the other side. He had fractured his arm and was pretty torn up (I do remember his arm hanging in a cast) at the hospital. and was there for a while. He had to learn to write right-handed. Tried, I could never do it. Always thought that was cool.
Memories in El Paso, Texas. 1961, he’s 13 and Elvis is huge. We used to sing (or at least I tried) from That’s Alright, All Shook Up, Hound Dog and many more. We’re at our first small house. It’s time for haircuts. John and I are clipped. Jerry is next. He makes it a point he doesn’t want a haircut (wants his hair like Elvis’). So after some arguing, Dad takes Gerry into his and Bob’s shared bedroom (roommates from birth) and slams the door. Mom has us out in the living room. All I hear is “I don’t want a haircut” and then a smack. Not sure how long this lasted (but seemed very long). Needless to say, when they came out, he had a haircut and a very red neck. Another early one. Mom tells us it time to take a bath (John and I). We’re saying it’s too early. Mom says we have to, then go to sleep so Santa can come. Now we’re in the bath. We hear loud footsteps on the roof and asking is that Santa. Mom puts us to bed and says Santa won’t come unless we go to sleep. I sneak out in the hall a little later. They’re watching Johnny Carson. And there’s presents under the tree. I then wake up John and told him that was Santa on the roof. Of course, years later found out it was Jerry.
Both Gerry and Bob have had great and vast musical interests. He loved music. He turned me on to so many. Everly Brothers, Beau Brummel, Crosby, Stills and Nash (and Young), Jethro Tull, Mary Hopkins, Dan Fogelberg, Pink Floyd, Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, The Hollies, The Byrds, James Gang and so many more. As far as our black and white TV. Saturday mornings, eating cereal at the coffee table watching Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Sky King. Memories/music that have stayed with me to this day.
He was the only brother having mechanical abilities. He was cutting the backyard grass and lawnmower breaks down. Mom tells him to wait until Dad gets home. He doesn’t and proceeds to break down the complete engine on the porch. Has all the pieces spread out. Dad comes home (you can imagine what he said) but Gerry said he would put it back together. The sun has gone down, the porch light is on and I hear the lawnmower. As promised, he got it running (minus a few pieces). Dad explained the pieces were necessary or they would not have been included. He broke it down again the next day, put the parts in. Never had another issue with that lawnmower. He did the same with his VW Beetle (a few times).
He ran track in high school and got a scholarship to Howard County Junior College. Mom took John and I to his meets, which we thoroughly enjoyed (most of all when he won). His track coach was a guy by the name of Harry Brown (who was also Assistant Principal). I guess they had some minor run-ins in which Dad had to go for a ‘meeting’. Don’t remember very much. Jerry got into a fight after some kid had messed up his shoes. So Dad goes to school for their ‘meeting’. I’m not there, this is the story I’ve heard at the breakfast table. Dad told Mr. Brown that yes he had given permission for Jerry to take care of himself when mistreated. He said shoes don’t grow on trees and asked Mr. Brown if wanted to replace the shoes. Point made. Flash forward 5 years and I’m now attending the same high (from 7th grade on). Mr. Brown is now the principal. As some point, he see’s me (another Greenwood) and ask if he’s going to have problems with me? He never did with me or John. I never ran track but to this day, it is a regret I have.
One time, Jerry takes me out so I can learn how to drive. I remember our blue Ford Fairlane. So after the lesson, we get on some dirt roads, to show me about skids. John is with us (he’s in the back seat, but sitting up). So driving down this road, he starts speeding up and little later, a rabbit runs out. No swerve, no time (not did he try). Next a thump. John looks backs, “You killed that rabbit” and was crying. Gerry said knock it off. “Better the rabbit then Dad’s car.”
The obituary has an error. Jerry was never drafted but volunteered/joined the Navy before the draft board came knocking (his number came up) which Dad had recommended. In normal years, he would have never made it through the military’s initial physical exam in El Paso due to his on again/off again kidney (one didn’t work right). But this is 1968 and Vietnam was at its height. He got thru boot camp and was training to be a Navy Seal when he was called in and told he would be getting a medical discharge due to his kidney. He was happy to get out but disappointed he hadn’t been in 180 days in order to qualify for the GI Bill and other veteran benefits.
Jerry was the letter/card writer of us boys. I was lazy and called home. With anticipation, always looked forward to the mail arriving with a letter from Jerry to Mom (and family). Never a dull letter, interesting and caring. His spirit came thru his letters/cards. And always flowers for Mom on Mother’s Day. Then no letter for over a year, just some post cards to confirm he was alive. This I call the Canada stretch. But without fail always a birthday and Christmas card after I left home. When coming home, Mom always saved his letter/cards. I always felt ‘caught up’ in Jerry’s life. He would try some poetry om me (I know he also loved reading . . . took after Mom). It never really stuck with me but “Howling Wind and Whiskey” (he authored) and was very proud of. It won an honorable mention in a local grown, Colorado statewide poetry contest, and $200.00 in prize money.
I met Beth I believe in 1988 or so. They had come down to visit Mom/Dad before his work/trip to McMurdo Station, Antarctica working in the Heavy shop (meaning bulldozers, industrial forklifts and other large diesel equipment) as a welder. Everybody loved Bethy from the start and we all thought they were a good fit for each other. I’m glad they got back together and so thankful for their last years together. Beth was the best thing that ever happened to Gerry.
He was avid outdoorsman to the tilt. He along with his longest friends Gary and Dave would do a lot out together. A few times, when visiting he’d bring down some venison/photos of his hunt and it was sooo gooood. Dad always said he was born around 150 years too late. If the opportunity arose, he would have been on Lewis and Clark’s expedition and probably the trailblazer. . . or maybe Kit Carson in Colorado. When still in school, he would take us out for hikes, climbing both Franklin mountains and Hueco Tanks State Park.
Now the BRONCOS. I’ve known some fans but Gerry was THE FAN. Good or bad, he always watched. I went up to Oak Creek the first time and I was overwhelmed with Bronco items. I mean from throwrugs, washcloths, handtowels . . . of course hats, jackets, gloves. He loved his Broncos. He tells me he went to a game in Denver and for some reason jumps down from the stands. I don’t remember the rest; I’m sure Dave and Gary can tell you but after jumping down he stands up and Bubba Smith right in front of him. Jerry told my Dad he was the biggest guy he’d ever seen.
He is/was my brother and the best MAN I’ve known. I’ll see you again in heaven Jerry.
We enjoyed meeting Bethy & Gerry in Bozeman, when they visited Bethy’s sister, Carol Scott. And I traveled to southern Colorado a few years ago and drove over to Walsenburg to say hello and saw their home and property near town. Such a nice loving couple! This is such a tragedy for Bethy and the Greenwood family. We offer our blessings for all of you.
Love, Pat Simmons & Ed Verry, Bozeman, Montana
To Bethy and the Greenwood Family: Please know that loving and comforting prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. Blessings and Peace.
You have always been a special friend to me. From meeting him Sphinx Park, Colorado to being roommates in Erie, Colorado, you have always had a special place in my heart. I miss you and wish I could have made it to say goodbye.
Much love to You, Beth and your family and friends who will always remember you.
May you Rest In Peace.
He used to tell me, you don’t have to call me Uncle. Just Gerry. You’re an adult. 😂
You will live on through me Gerry. I’ll always remember the time you spent with me in conversation, providing me with insight, guidance and perspective. I’ll see you on the other side sir. You will be forever missed and forever loved.
Christopher Greenwood