Gerald William McGowan

Gerald William McGowan
Born Jan 8, 1937 (Watsonville, CA)
Died Nov 11, 2018 (Bishop, CA)
Parents: Ralph McGowan, Francis Campbell
Sister: Carol McGowan

Gerald, affectionately known as "Jerry" to his community and family, died at the age of 81. Jerry was the definition of a renaissance man, he grew up riding horses, playing sports and making music. A UC Davis graduate and 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army, Jerry set off into the world with a passion for education. He would go on to be a loving teacher, principal and Basketball coach for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, and an active participant in his church's worship team. After meeting Patricia Thompson McGowan and marrying her in 1982, he became Dad to her three children: Jill Cho, Julie Kerr, and Jeff van Beek. He quickly settled into the role of loving grandfather to Robbie van Beek, William van Beek, Lauren Zaro, Ryan and Katie Kerr, Oliver and Audrey Cho, Amanda Clowser and Megan Nikolayenko, also becoming great grandfather to Charlotte and Greyson Clowser. His wife of 25 years, Patricia Ann McGowan preceded him in death in 2007.

Jerry cared for his family, friends, and the Lord the way he cared for his music. His music very much reflected who he was as a person: gentle, kind, and always full of love. He was an advocate for minority groups, a pumpkin pie enthusiast, avid skier and lover of dogs. Age became him, and he never lost his sense of bright curiosity. Always engaged in current events, a good book, or new sheet music, he was open minded and inquisitive through and through.
Though Jerry will be deeply missed, he passes down a legacy of unconditional love to his family and friends, leaving fingerprints on current generations and those to come.

Please join us January 8th at 4pm to sing Happy Birthday to Jerry and celebrate the wonderful life he led!

Seacliff Park Club House
2700 Mar Vista Dr. Aptos CA 95003
Tuesday January 8th 4:00 pm (Jerry's 82nd Birthday)