Gerald Joseph Mcclurg

"Reunited with Mona"

Gerald J. McClurg, a fine and fiercely independent man, died December 24, 2009, from causes related to age and failing health. He was born on March 28, 1921, in Kalispell, MT, to Charles and Anna McClurg, the second of two sons. A boyhood in Whitefish, MT, during the Great Depression nurtured his self-sufficient, industrious nature and liking for small town life. Adventurous, determined, and lively, at 16 he and his friend, Hal, bought a Stearman airplane. They saw most of northern MT and western WA from the air, flew their way out of a downdraft over Glacier NP, and dropped candy bars to surprised workers along the Great Northern Railroad tracks. Gerald attended Gonzaga University and later the University of Iowa. A talented saxophone player, he toured with the Sammy Kaye Orchestra prior to WWII. He enlisted in the US Navy in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, becoming a Pharmacist Mate First Class (medical corpsman). Serving honorably from 1942 to 1945, Gerald went ashore on Guadalcanal with the First Marine Division (Second Wave), saved lives, and was one of only 3 out of 17 medics to survive the landing and occupation. Other highlights of his work life included working on the ARAMCO pipeline in Saudi Arabia (1949-1952) and working for Shell Development (1952-1972) as a lab tech testing plastic petrochemical compounds. His striking photographs of Bedouin nomads and handmade Styrofoam Christmas ornaments were memorable family artifacts.

In 1942, while passing through downtown SLC on his way to the war in the South Pacific, he encountered Mona Humphries, at that time a tow-headed blonde with irresistible dimples. It was love at first sight. Mona was smitten with this tall, handsome, wavy-haired sailor after the one date they managed before he was shipped to the coast. Theirs was a two-year long wartime romance, carried out through V-Mail. Gerald finally received orders for a stateside tour of duty and he married Mona on October 11, 1944. They enjoyed a lifelong love affair lasting 56 years. They raised two daughters in California, lived for many years in Oregon, eventually moving to Utah in 1998.

Gerald, also known as "Jerry" and "Mac," was a man of many talents. In addition to the saxophone and photography, he built model airplanes and ships, gardened, polished agates, knew his way around the kitchen, and could "doctor" minor injuries with skill. He was deeply loved and admired for his selfless, meticulous care of Mona (afflicted with severe rheumatoid arthritis for 40 years), his loyalty to his loved ones, his charming, unassuming nature, his willingness to help anyone at anytime, his quick and engaging smile, and his ingenuity. The older he became, the more friends he made.

He was preceded in death by many, including Mona, brother Robert, daughter Annette Wilson, son-in-law Dale Rose, nephews Pat and Bob McClurg. He is survived by daughter Marcia McClurg Rose, cousin Jimmy Bell (Catherine), and a pride of nieces and nephews who remember their Uncle Jerry affectionately. He will be missed by family members Lee, Art, and Carma Humphries, Clark Speirs, and Inge and Andy McClurg. He is passing is deeply mourned by special friends, Don McCown, Bill Reiland, and Suzanne Atkin.

As per his wishes there will be no viewing and Gerald will be cremated. On a date to be determined, family and friends will gather graveside to inter his remains with Mona's, followed by a memorial luncheon in Gerald and Mona's honor.

Online condolences to the family may be sent at: www.holbrookmortuary.com