I met Gerry in Joplin in the 50's. We lived 2 blocks apart and spent many hours at his house - down in the old coal cellar with our jazz records and old set of drums put together piecemeal. We even took jazzmen's names of Flip (Flip Phillips) and Jazzbo (Jazzbo) ask Gerry the last name. My memory is shot.
The next time we crossed paths was in Chicago in 1963. I was on my way from Puerto Rico, where I had been living for almost 2 years, to Washington,D.C. to work for the government using my Army signal corps experience. By chance I called Gerry and he and Pat were gratious enough to put me up for a few days before I went on to D.C. During those few days Pat, who was very pregnant went into labor and Gerry was not able to get home right away so I took her to the hospital for admittance. Having never done this before I was stammering like a complete idiot trying to get her admitted. After that, I don't remember anything.
I stayed on in Chicago after listening to Gerry tell me what a great place it was, etc,etc.
He then proceded to introduce me to his old room mate Tony Lord. To make a long story short, I moved in with Tony in January, called D.C. and told them I had made other plans, went about the business of finding a job, while freezing my ass off. Landed a job and on Memorial Day at the Opening of the Beach for the summer I met Donna, my wife, and Married her 11 weeks later in Little Rock, Ark. We have our 50th coming up in August of next year - thanks to Gerry for enticing me to stay in Chicago.
We did stop for an adult beverage and a snack when they were in South Bend, Ind.
Gerry And Pat: Happy Anniversary ----- 50 Years is a great milestone. I know that you have moved many times (as we have) and have made many friends. Thanks for being a friend for these many years. I always felt at home with you, Bev, and the kids. Donna and I know from your letters over the years that everyone has made you proud. May you two have Happy and Memorable Day. Wish we could be there to raise a glass. May you have many more great years together.
Love,
Tom and Donna Burch
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