Hello Chapter members and friends of CVTU. I hope everyone is well, finding your way during the covid crisis and doing your best to live as normal a life as possible.
I am writing to share the sad news of the passing of one of CVTU’s longest continuous members, Jerry Rekart.
Jerry was a wonderful man, devoted to his family, and a true friend to many members of CVTU. He was passionate about the projects and work that CVTU has done over the past 30 years and was always one of the first to volunteer for any project or event. He had a generous spirit and always had a smile and a joke for those in attendance. Jerry held many CVTU board positions over the years. He was always willing to share his knowledge and guidance gained from military service as a B-52 pilot, his years as an airline captain for TWA, and his years of public service to his hometown of Brookfield, CT.
He was instrumental in the creation of our chapters TIC program, successfully building it to over 30 classrooms, and making it the largest TIC program in Connecticut. He had a hand in all aspects of TIC from connecting with teachers and students, fund raising and finally releasing the trout in the spring. In 2010, Jerry was recognized for and awarded the Distinguished Service in Education award from TU national.
Although I have known Jerry for a number of years and considered him a friend, I reached out to some of the members of the chapter who knew him best. Here are a few things that they shared with me…
“Jerry was often the first person you would see at a CVTU event, his smiling face welcoming you with a familiar greeting or simple joke”
“He was a tease, an imp with his funny barbs, and always ready to volunteer”
“Merchants and volunteers found it hard to resist the twinkle in Jerry’s eye when he was requesting support for TIC or the CVTU banquet. He was also a fun fishing and social companion from Cape Cod and Nantucket to Maine, Massachusetts, western NY and the Delaware River”
We will all remember his smiling face, great nature, sense of humor and willingness to do whatever he could for CVTU. My hope is we will be able to meet in the near future and at that time we will raise a glass and toast our friend Jerry.
My best to you all, be well, stay safe and tight lines.
Mike
Mike Fatse; tfm2013@aol.com
Mike Fatse; shflyguy@gmail.com