Thursday, December 7, 2017
My deepest condolences to Jerry's family and friends. He was truly special. I don't know why, but I'm pretty sure he appointed himself my guardian angel on Swans Island as I'm sure he did with others.. He supported my recreational lobstering fantasy with equipment and knowledge. When I banded lobsters, with never an accident, I described it as "the Jerry Matthews technique." Eventually, Jerry and I convinced Barbara she should also get a recreational license. Jerry benefitted from Barbara's catch, loving lobster a lot. And I benefited from lots of laughter out on the water with Barbara and in the recounting of our adventures to Jerry. He was someone who'd give you the shirt off his back if you let him! A couple of years ago, when my truck had a flat tire, he offered not only a single tire to replace it, but he was "pretty sure he had a full set that would work." When I hedged, thinking this was too generous, he turned up in my driveway, in the woods the next spring, to ask why I hadn't gotten the tires. He was persistent in his generosity. Eventually, I ended up with the one that fit on the truck...and it will be the "Jerry Matthews tire". He was someone who'd give you the shirt off his back if you let him! With five lobster traps, I could easily justify hauling them at 10 in the morning instead of 5 a.m. As I headed to the ferry terminal float, 10 am allowed time to visit with Jerry, Barbara, Buddy and then Julie, the Nova Scotia duck-tolling retrievers, as they waited in their truck for the ferry to bring the day's papers and packages for delivery. I'd hear the latest island news, sometimes news of Jerry's family, and simply have enjoyable time with both of them. From now on, when I go down to the terminal, I will continue to see his truck in my mind's eye with Jerry and Barbara looking out over the water. As time went on, I was inspired by his deep devotion to Barbara when she became ill. I will miss him deeply: his caring, humor, generosity, and know-how helped make my own Swans Island experience extra special. Rest in peace, Jerry.
