Condolences
I know it's been a trying year for the Velder's family. My heart goes out to all of you, Susan, Michael, Diana and Chris. We all remember Gerry and the smile he had for anyone who came to the house, and all were welcome. My mind goes back to walking to the house and Gerry would be sitting in his favorite spot, with his "cigar" and Susan and I would go and sit in the kitchen and talk. Good memories to look back on. You are all in my prayers as the anniversary date comes closer. Know that the Layton family is with you all even if it's only in spirit.
From as young as I can remember, you always made me feel special and supported. It was a trait anyone who knew you, loved about you. You had such a love for life, an open mind and an open heart. You were the type of person - so rare to find - who could find something to like in everyone you met. You'd talk about anything with anyone and they'd always walk away feeling refreshed for the exchange they just had. You had this way about you to make people smile. Whether it was with a silly face or a quick witted remark, you could light up anyone's day. There aren't enough words in any language for me to express how much respect and genuine admiration I have for you; what a special man you were to me and how much I love you and always will.
Today we're all here to say goodbye to the physical you, but in a way you'll never be gone, because you had such a special bond with each one of us. With me it was music and movies; with Diana it was drawing and art; with Christopher it was trucking; with Mom it was, among so many other things, us - that light in your eyes that shone from your hearts that was the unconditional love and pride you had for us. Even your grandchildren carry pieces of you that will live on for generations of Velders to come. Every time I look in the mirror, I'll see you; every time I talk to Christopher, I'll hear you; every time I see one of Diana's beautiful art pieces, I'll think of you; every time I visit with Mom, I'll feel you, so in our hearts you'll live forever.
I love you, Dad and I will miss you so much. I could never have wished for a better father. I'll never forget you. Rest in peace.
Dear Gerry, Quite some time has passed since i last saw you or talked to you. However my memories of you are nothing but the best. It was a privilage to have known you. I thank you for letting me be a part of the family even if it was only for a short time. My deepest sympathy to Susan,Mike,Diane,& Chris.....The pain will fade but the memories will live on forever.....Bill
Susan, Mike, Diane and Chris you are in our thoughts and prayers during your time of grief. Gerry will be missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful man, husband and father. As former neighbors I got to spend many an evening with all of you. So truly Gerry is mourned by us as well even though we are many miles apart. I can still see him sitting in the living room with a cigar in his hand when I would walk in the front door while our sons would be below while Mike played his drums. Anything we can do to help you through this rough time please let us know. MaryAnn & Joe Layton and family
Dad, It is very typical for a dad to tell his son how proud he was of his son,well allow me for a moment to say how proud I am to be your son. From back as far as I can remember you have been one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Sometimes I wish you had more time to just relax and enjoy life with mom. I am proud to say that I have followed in your footsteps ,we have spent alot of time over the last year talking and I will sure miss answerin the phone and you shouting Boobala. There are many memories that I can enjoy. I dont wanna believe its really true that your no longer with us but you will always be in my heart and everyday I get in the truck and go down the road you will be riding shotgun and watchin over me. I love you and am very proud of you too. Rest easy you sure deserve it, and never worry we will make sure Mommy is ok. Cant wait to see you again and give you a big hug BOOBALA !
I'm so sorry to the Velders family... you gave me a safe haven in my youth and always made me feel welcome. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm VERY sorry for your loss. Anna
We met at a junior high dance. We shared so many moments, good and bad, but we worked through it all, your love will stay with me forever. You were a wonderful husband, father, provider, and most of all friend. You never let me down and always could put a smile on my face, any ones face for that matter. You will be missed dearly by all the people you new. Rest in Peace my love.
Dear Chris and Heather im so sorry for ur loss.
Mike, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad and our sincerest condolences go out to you and your family during this time. I only met your father one or twice but it was easy to know what kind of a man he was by the way that you talked about him. I know that he will be missed, but please find some comfort in knowing that he will always be there with you and for you. Take Care of Yourselves, Nick Del Prete & Family
From the day I was born to today, memories overflow my brain. The good and the bad. He was a great man, the shiniest star in my sky. Special, outgoing and outstanding. I remember sitting on the couch, eating muenster cheese right out of the package with him and my father as we watched a movie... As he smoked a cigar... Another thing that I think everybody remembers. The pungent odor of his cigars lingering throughout the house. We all took advantage of that... Complained about it, but now I think that everybody who knew that smell would do anything to have it back. To have him back. On December 26, 2011, he slept over at my house. In my bed, actually. He left one of his sweatbands, which he was notorious for wearing on the shelf in my bedroom. It's the keepsake I have left of him and I'll NEVER let go of that. Never. I love you pop-pop... We all do and you'll be in our hearts for the rest of eternity. In the photo above, me, my big cousin and my little cousin (i'm the one in the diva shirt..) are sitting on his lap. I just wish that one more time, I could sit on his lap, give him a hug, kiss his gristly cheek and tell him how much I love him.
We were lucky enough to be (more than) neighbors for a few years. We will miss the humor and the laughter that surrounded Gerry! We were blessed to have been able to break bread at his table and reciprocate on occasion and be treated like family. We will miss you, Gerry, but your memory lives on in our hearts! God Bless and Godspeed...heaven gained one heck of an angel!
Ah Pop.. a man with the bluest eyes you'll ever see and a bright smile to match. Never judging and always had an animal in his sight or arms. They flocked to him because they knew how gentle he was. He'd sit there and observe the goings on and if you watched him in return you knew how wise and deep he was. He would take your best qualities and make you remember that about yourself, because you could always see that he believed in you. He had amazing taste in movies and music and I could sit there for hours talking to him about such things. He was such a good man and I am blessed to have been a part of his life. Rest in Peace Gerry.. you will never ever be forgotten.
You will be missed, Jerry. Even though I didn't know you well, I knew enough to know you'll be in heaven and at peace. My thoughts will be with you, Susan, Michael, Christopher and Diane. I hope you will find some peace and comfort in knowing he will be always be with you in your heart.
Mr V. Your gone. I am very upset that you are gone. I know as life goes on people tend to not visit one another but they are always on there minds. I do wish now but it is to late that I called you to see how you were. You are at peace now. You leave behind a lasting friendship I will always cherish. Mr. V may you Rest In Peace.