Gerald S. Insley
July 5, 1927 – December 21, 2013
Ashland, OR 97520, USA
life story
We'll miss you always Dad!
His tombstone reads: Son of the West. Suggested by a neighbor, who loved watching Dad tend to the family property in Southern Oregon. Dad delighted in helping these neighbors learn the ins and outs of rural living - from irrigation ditches to clearing brush. Dad could fix anything with duct tape or a bit of bale wire. A son of the West, but also a teacher, a volunteer, a dad, a great friend. Miss you, Dad.
Jerry Insley
Gerald S. Insley died Saturday, December 21, 2013 at his home in Ashland, OR, shortly after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
Jerry was born July 5, 1927 in Prescott, Arizona, the second son of Russ and Bernice Insley.
Jerry was an educator, and an active volunteer with the Ashland Lion's Club. He spent years building park benches, grilling at the 4th of July Barbecues, picking up Christmas trees to be mulched for the city and many more activities. In the late 1970's he was a member of the school board and served in many other ways in his adopted home town of Ashland, OR.
The home he always maintained in his heart was his true hometown, Prescott, AZ. Jerry grew up in Arizona, engaged in many hijinks with friends and his brother, Ted.
Following his service in the Navy ending in 1947, Jerry attended and graduated from the Arizona State University, where he also earned his Masters of Education. He earned his Doctor of Education degree at the University of Oregon in 1966.
In between, he met and married his wife, Lillian, and the two of them started a family, eventually moving to Oregon permanently.
Jerry was a proud member of the Medford, OR hangar of the Quiet Birdmen, enjoying their fellowship immensely. It was one of his favorite organizations, leading to the deepest of friendships.
Jerry the Teacher:
Jerry taught junior high and high school in Prescott, AZ as well as coaching football and track. He loved the kids and joyfully went to their reunions, maintaining contact with the "kids" he dearly loved. He was very proud of all their accomplishment and bragged about them constantly.
To his students at Southern Oregon University, Dr. Insley was an advisory and mentor. Dr. Insley was a Professor of Physical Education at SOC, as it was known, from 1966 until his retirement in 1989.
Dr. Insley guided many SOC and SOSC students as they transitioned into their own careers as educators and coaches nationwide. Many became role models in their own right, and Dr. Insley stayed in touch with them both professionally and personally. He was always looking forward to another reunion with “his kids” there.
Lessons Learned:
As a pilot, Jerry proved you never stop learning. As a teacher and student of physical education, Jerry showed us all the benefits of remaining both physically and mentally active.
As a father and husband, Jerry showed us what it meant to know there was always someone in your corner, cheering you on and loving you.
As a man, Jerry was a role model to us all.
Jerry Insley is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lillian, his children, Colin Insley of Littleton, Colorado, daughter, Kim Insley, Son-in-law, Pete Lentine, and grandchildren, Alyssa and Robin of Plymouth, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents Russ and Bernice Insley and brother Ted.
Jerry is buried in the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon, surrounded by fellow service members on a hill that overlooks the beautiful Rogue Valley. His is dearly missed, and yet always with us.