I know that nobody here has even heard of Jerry. He never used the internet or even knew how to turn on a computer, for that matter.
He was a friend to me, and a former boss. When work was slow and my hours were cut, he'd take me out to lunch to ensure I had at least one hot meal on any given day during the hard times.
He was generous and selfless. If someone needed help paying a bill, he'd hand them the money without expectation of repayment.
He took in a teenage girl whose parents were lost in the drug world and raised her as if she were his own daughter, her best friend.
After his own teenage daughter had an unexpected child, he supported them both until they were able to get settled on their own - his grandson called him Papa.
Five years ago, he had a heart attack and literally fell dead at my feet. I immediately called 911 and began CPR. When a passerby stopped to offer assistance, I thrust the phone at her with a terse "Here. It's 911. Talk to them. I'm busy."
The aid car arrived shortly after and was able to shock a pulse back into him - a couple of days later when I went to visit him, he took my hand and said "Thanks for bringing me back, Doc." (Yes, that's my real life name as well.) I had no words to reply - I just smiled.
Afterwards, his health was frail, but he hung in there like a trooper - I sometimes felt guilty for bringing him back when the going was especially rough for him, but I knew in my heart I had done the right thing - his daughter and her baby now had a fair chance.
He entered the hospital two weeks or so ago for surgery to drain the 95% worth of fluids in his lungs. It didn't help.
At 1:30 AM Friday, he passed on. Another friend got the call at 3:30 in the morning, and let me know yesterday. He told me that when Jerry first entered the hospital he was upset that I'd brought him back only to have to suffer like this at the end, but on Thursday he told my other friend to thank me for the giving him the time and chance to set his daughter and now 5 year old grandson on the right path.
That hit me the hardest - even at the very end he knew was coming, his last efforts were to comfort others.
At least Alex will remember his "Papa" and the good man he was right to the end.

Rest in Peace, old friend - see you on the other side someday, and next time, lunch is on me.

Dok

My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend

Im so sorry. I cant say I know how you feel, but i feel your pain at a loss.

Sorry to hear that Sounds like a truly great friend!

That brought a tear to my eye. Sorry to hear of your loss Dok

My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend

sorry to hear Dok

Dok, you and I have had some many fine times here, and you have taught me more than anyone will ever know. Life has a funny way of bringing people together... special and or otherwise. He was there for a reason, as you were for me and many others along this journey we call life. Dok, we will all meet in some place or another, whether you want to believe or not, and I will try my hardest to find you and all my other friends. Bless you Dok, for you are truly a real friend... as Jerry was to you!

I lost a very close friend last week to a heart attack - so I understand what you're going through.

My thoughts are with you Dok & Jerry.

Thats really sad, it actually bought a tear to my eye, my most heart felt condolences to you :'( it sounds like he was a remarkable man and a true friend

Dok I am truly sorry to hear about your friend Jerry. My prayers will be with you.

Hell, that's quite a story and does bring a tear to the eye

My deepest condolences to you all.

I can't imagine what you must be going through, but at least thanks to you he got some more time on this Earth with the people he loved. I'm sure that if he were here today that he would no doubt thank you for that.

I'm sorry about what happend.

Dok. Sorry to read about the loss of your friend.

You did all you could for him 5 years ago. I am sure he held a special place in his heart for you and as your friend related, understood why you gave him a few more years to be with those who care for and love him.

Congestive Heart Failure was what took my mom last June (fluid in lungs usually comes from Congestive Heart Disease btw). CHF can take one quickly once established.

My condolences to you Dok.

:'(

I am very sorry to hear that Dok. My condolences to you.
I hope things work out.

(Dok is a Red Lifesaver... gummy form)

:'( :'(, nothing more we can really say, I guess take it easy and hope you are able to get over it.

It sounds like he was a real selfless person and the world is worst off to lose a person like him. Sorry to hear it.

I'm sorry for your loss, Dok.

Dok your friend sounds like a truly good person. I'm sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

My condolances for your loss. May he rest in peace.

It's at times like these you realise life is valuable and precious, and you should live it to the full. My thoughts are with you Dok.

It's not the quantity of the life, it's the quality! He sounded like a genuine man and a good soul, indeed.

May he rest in peace.

My condolences to you Dok, may He rest in peace.

My condolences Dok.

Ian

Rest in Peace, Jerry.. even though I don't know him, by reading thing, I just felt how great he was. My condolances for your great loss, he was a great, great man.

I didn't know Jerry, but if he was a friend of yours Dok, I'm sure he was a great man.

My thoughts go out to you and Jerrys family.

My condolences Dok, not just for you but for all of us!

From the way you described him it sounds like there should be a few more Jerry's in this world, the world would certainly be a better place!

Terribly sorry Dok.

Jerry Skinner?

I'm sorry Dok for the loss of your friend. I have been there and done that with the passing of my father 2 1/2 years ago, so I know how it feels. I wish you and yours (and his as well) the best in the times ahead.

No, it wasn't, thank goodness.

Thank you all for your kindness - it's a huge comfort.

~Sorry Dok