Gerard C. Barrows' Obituary
Gerard Charles Cassius Barrows, a man known for his gentleness and kindness, died peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on June 23rd, 2017 at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Sheila Barrows, his three children, David (Niina Bagdasar), Kevin (Amy) and Elizabeth Wallace (Carrie Moore) and five grandchildren Ashley Lucero, Lauren Mariner, Brenden, Gordon, Mackenzie Wallace and one great grandchild, Lucas Lucero.Jerry was born on September 12, 1927 in Powell, Wyoming, the youngest of three children. He grew up in Ralston, Wyoming, a very small rural town between Cody and Powell. Throughout his life he maintained a great affection for Wyoming, fondly remembering ranch life and the natural beauty of that area, including nearby Yellowstone Park and the Beartooth Mountains.He graduated from the University of Wyoming before serving as a private in the US Army at the end of World War II as part of the American occupying forces in Salzburg, Austria.After returning from military service abroad Jerry moved west to San Francisco with the professional aspiration of becoming an educator. There, through the GI Bill, he completed two master’s degrees: one in Education at Stanford University and one in Psychology at the University of San Francisco. He then began working in the San Francisco public school system (San Francisco Unified School District). It was also in San Francisco that he first met his wife of 63 years, Sheila Jones. They were married in 1954 in a small church near the ocean in the northwest corner of San Francisco and then began their family of three children. Jerry was an enthusiastic and loving father, attending school events, taking the family on camping trips, coaching sons’ little league teams, participating in the kids’ hobbies, Boy Scouts, Y-Guides and supporting the children in achieving their educational and professional goals.Jerry’s career in the San Francisco Unified School District included both teaching history and social studies at the high school level as well as working as a school psychologist, completing evaluations of children who were performing far below or far above the expected grade level so that they could be offered appropriate educational resources. His career at SFUSD lasted 37 years and he retired with distinction in 1992.To further support the family financially, and typical of his compassionate spirit, Jerry worked many summers in the Shriners Hospital for Children in San Francisco. He also volunteered his time teaching English as a second language to immigrants.Jerry was athletic and very much enjoyed playing tennis and golf. He and his wife were avid travelers, enjoying trips throughout Europe, Africa and India. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping and hiking.What most stood out in Jerry’s character was his kindness. Whether working with colleagues, teaching, volunteering, raising his family or relating with neighbors or strangers Jerry’s gentle demeanor, patience, compassion and predilection for humor touched all who met him.Memorial service will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo at 1pm on Thursday, June 29th. Reception will immediately follow.The family wishes to express special thanks to TLC Home Care for their loving care of Jerry in the past few years.
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