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Farewell and thank you, Jerry
Thoughts (received by email) about Jerry Dunton, who left us bereft of a dear friend on August 19, 2009:
From Barbara Brown:
I am still having a hard time believing that Jerry is gone. What a blow!
I had the privilege of meeting Jerry when we ended up traveling in the same car for my first Westerners field trip a few years ago. He made me feel welcome then and I have enjoyed his friendship ever since. As we all know, Jerry was the kind of person who would help anyone out if he could. A few months ago, when he found out I was studying the Topaz internment camp, he gave me a file full of documents on the subject that he’d collected over the years. It meant a lot to me then, and means even more to me now. Thank you, Jerry. We’ll miss you.
From Gary Kimball:
Jerry was a friend. I’m glad he got to share he childhood home of McGill, NV on our field trip. Although at the time I was in disagreement with him. His childhood memories of McGill conflicted with my memories of in-laws in McGill. I have now formed new memories of McGill and White Pine County. Thanks Jerry! You will be missed.
From Nelson Wadsworth:
I wanted to add some comments on Jerry Dunton. I’ve known Jerry for nearly 50 years, first meeting him when I was a staff writer for the Associated Press in the Salt Lake Bureau in the early 1960s. Our office was in the Tribune Building, and we had to frequently visit the Trib newsroom to develop one-on-one relationships with the editors, my favorite of which was
Jerry. We’ve been friends ever since, and I’ve been delighted to continue that on-going relationship in the Utah Westerners. With Hal, Wally and now Jerry gone, there is not much left of that intriguing era of Utah journalism. I will miss Jerry’s thoughtful insight and calming influence. He had a penetrating mind and always seemed to be in control. I find myself
agreeing wholeheartedly with Steve’s assessment. The Westerners and the whole realm of Utah journalism just won’t be the same without him.
From Steve Gallenson:
This news is a horrible blow to me and and many people. Jerry was such an
enlightened soul who we could always count on. We knew we call Jerry at most
any time of the day and he would be cordial and just great. He was my
favorite curmudgeon on the planet. I will share two of my best Jerry
stories.
When Jerry was the president of the UW, I was on his board. One person had
applied for membership and was the next in the Que for consideration. We
board members thought that this person would be a fabulous UW member and we opened it up for discussion. Jerry said he would vote against him becoming a
member. We were really surprised. Jerry explained that just because someone
lectured to us once and had attended two meetings, we should not get all
excited. Jerry said “I don’t think the Utah Westerners should be perceived
as an easy outfit to get into”. Jerry did vote against this person, but the rest of
the board excitedly voted for his becoming a member. It was the first no
vote I had ever witnessed on the board. Subsequently that person never
attended another UW meeting again. Jerry’s cantankerous-nous proved correct.
I really did attempt to look at everything I ever did with the board of
directors and analyse my ideas as to how Jerry would perceive things. When I
could not decide, I would call Jerry and ask. He always surprised me with
his insight.
Among my proudest moments as a Utah Westerner was on the first day of the
2006 Nebraska field trip. Jack Tykal and I took the reigns and ran the trip.
Jerry had been an integral part of so many previous trip, including being
the trail boss and main organizer. Jerry got on the bus in Denver, went to
the very back seat, sat down and folded his arms across his chest and just
smiled. He looked at me and said “this is really nice, I have nothing to do
but enjoy myself”. I made a vow to work really hard so Jerry would not have
to run a field trip again and could just sit back and grin. In 2009 I could
not pull it off and at the last minute I asked Jerry if he could help out on
the trip. Jerry told me “don’t worry about a thing, I will get it done for
you”, and as you all know, it was a trip for the books.
I really, really loved this man. His type is rare. I came to know Jerry as a
renaissance man. The world got lonelier today.
God bless you Dunton. You made me a better person.
From Walter Jones
Please know and let others know in our Westerners’ group that I feel very sad about Jerry. We have lost a fine colleague, mentor and friend!
From Bud Rusho
Hi All: As one who has seen most of it in Utah Westerners, I would like to share my perspective on the death of our dear friend, Jerry Dunton. I compare the impact of his demise to that of Harold Schindler, almost exactly ten years ago. But Harold and Jerry were as different as night and day. Harold, a bit aloof , highly respected and a real history scholar, could take ten minutes just asking a question. Jerry, a fellow employee with Harold at the Salt Lake Tribune, didn’t become a Westerners until 1984, after pestering Harold for two years to invite him to a meeting. Jerry took a few years to make himself known. He never claimed to be a history scholar, but his active mind and curiosity eventually made him one of our most knowledgeable members, particularly about Western trails and Utah pioneers.
He was active not only in Westerners, but in OCTA and in Lincoln Highway Association, where he assumed roles of leadership. In the Westerners he was elected to membership in the Board of Directors, then Secretary (when he posted monthly notices), then was made President. But it didn’t matter what his official role he had, Jerry was always helping, wherever help was needed. Over the years he planned and led many field trips, but even when he was not in charge, he was always there, calling ahead for reservations, loading water on the bus, or whatever.
Nowhere was his talent and energy more apparent that in the recent 2009 field trip to the Great Basin, when he planned and directed the entire operation. Long before and during the trip he was forever worried about each detail and whether we could make everything on schedule. The success of his efforts were witnessed by the acclaim and kudos of those who participated.
I only knew Jerry after he joined the Westerners, but I did see and talk with him frequently, as we were both attendees at a three times a week coffee group (all UW’s). No doubt he was devoted to his sons, Jim and Bob, to Bob’s son, and very much so to Jerry’s partner, Carolyn, who usually went on trips with him. Jerry, in fact, was looking forward to his annual September trip with Carolyn to Sonoma, , where they participate in the Wine Festival. For many years Jerry brought back bottles of “Two-Buck Chuck”, a cheap, but fairly good, wine for several of us to share.
Alas, no more Two-Buck Chuck.
Jerry’s sense of humor was contagious. He would often tell (sometime retell) stories about himself, and we would always laugh. Jerry would sometimes almost double up with laughter at someone jokes or stories. He also loved to talk about Western history, trails, commemoration events, or even mundane topics such as yard work. But one of our favorite subjects were computers and grown-men’s toys–also known as electronic gadgets.
Schindler used to say that the word “unique” has no qualifications, and I suppose he was right. And yet, it seems that the word “unique” is not enough for Jerry. He is indeed irreplaceable. But what I have experienced in the Utah Westerners is the resilience and willingness of both old and new members to maintain our strong vitality far into the future. I am very happy to still belong to such a fine organization.
From Will Bagley:
I’m at OCTA, still trying to figure out how to express what the loss of Jerry means to me and all of us. I know my fellow OCTAonians miss him: I’ve had to let many know he was gone. You’ve all said it better than I could. But as Nate would say and say it all: Jerry was a mensch. I loved the guy. Some say if you want to know how irreplaceable you are, pull your hand out of a bucket of water. Well, the bucket just got smaller.
From Pat Hearty:
Bud and Will, what a beautiful tribute. You certainly described the guy I knew. Jerry is both unforgettable and irreplaceable, and when I think of the loss of friends and associates like Jerry, I often think of the old George Jones song, “Who’s gonna fill their shoes?” Damn big shoes in this case. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
From Gibbs Smith:
I was very saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was a very good companion for years at the Westerners and a good friend. We will all miss him.
From Steve Berlin:
Aw, nuts. I don’t cry much, but Jerry? Awful.
RIP, my friend. You’re a great guy. Thank you for everything.
From Kristen Rogers:
How could you be gone? You were a tremendous person–as I learned even more firmly on the Nevada field trip. We are all so sad…
Osher Institute’s fall classes
You can see what the Osher Institute (at the U of U) offers at http://continue.utah.edu/
Remember too, they are looking for history instructors. (See the earlier post)
Want to Teach at Osher Institute?
Osher Institute is looking for people to teach history courses.
All in All–A Great Trip
Thanks to Jerry, Steve, and Oscar for scouting out and organizing the 2009 field trip to the Great Basin. And thanks to everyone who participated!
Paul Felt captured the trip in immortal verse:
They asked me to sub in for Bench
Which certainly wasn’t a cinch.
The verse is deplorable,
The rhymes all are horrible,
But it will have to do in a pinch.
George Ivory talked about sheep
Which most of us just count to sleep.
The big bags of wool
Were stuffed until full,
But there was nary a sign of Bo Peep.
At Topaz the wind blew the dust.
Face masks were almost a must.
The history was ad,
Living conditions were bad.
The whole thing was simply unjust.
In Delta we saw a dance hall
Which included a glittering ball.
It brought back a time
When Cokes were a dime,
Before kids all hung out at the mall.
The next morning we went up the hill
To the small copper town of McGill.
Despite memories from Jerry
We just couldn’t tarry,
For we had many miles to kill.
In Eureka they mined lots of lead.
The Opera House went to their head.
With the county’s huge surplus
They rebuilt it without fuss
While we are all taxed til we’re dead.
From Elko we went on to Wells
I fear it’s a road stop to hells
For it contains Donnas;
We’ve been warned by our mommas:
Don’t buy whatever she sells.
Here is the Enola Gay hangar
Where originated a very big banger.
From here came the blast
That separates present from past.
Let’s hope there are no more in anger.
This trip was filled with camraderie,
Although it presents a dichotomy–
To Ely and Elko
A traipsing we did go–
My wife thinks I need a lobotomy!
At the center we all got to hail
The work on the California trail.
Their pathway was long
As they all labored on
In pursuit of their own holy grail.
Great story on Paul Felt
Read about Paul’s complicated mediation between the Crandall Canyon mine owners and the victims’ families.
We’re proud to know you, Paul.
Carl Woolsey in hospital
From Steve Gallenson:
Dr. Woolsey had open heart surgery last week. He will be in the hospital for rehabilitation for the next 3 weeks. Carl is on the 5th floor in South 09 . I was told he is doing quite well. Please see if you can find the time give him a visit.
Field trip itinerary!
To White Pine, Elko and Eureka Nevada Counties
June 5, 6 and 7
Friday, June 5th
Depart Masonic Lodge Parking lot at 6 a.m. on chartered bus.
Our first stop will be in Eureka, Utah (Juab County). Coffee, Orange Juice and milk will be served here along with donuts and rolls. A short talk of mining then and now. Then a drive thru Mammoth to the site of neat ruin, an old baseball diamond.
Next will be sheep shearing pens and Jericho. A talk by Old-Sheep-Shearer George Ivory on the process of sheep shearing – be glad you don’t.
On to Delta and the Great Basin Museum. (a small bookstore is also in the museum.) Barbara Jones-Brown will talk about the Japanese Interment Camp near Delta. Lunch will be in a park in Delta After lunch we will visit the site of the Topaz Interment Camp.
From Topaz we join U.S. Highway 50. According to Life Magazine from the 1950s, this is the Loneliest Highway in America. It could be that, for we have more than a hundred miles to the next stop – Ely, Nevada. We will not be going to Great Basin National Park or the Lehman Caves. Plan calls for us to arrive in Ely between 3 & 4 p.m. First stop will be a railroad museum in Ely. We have rooms (most double occupancy) reserved in the Nevada Hotel. It is an old hotel, but has its charm and character. A banquet dinner is being planned in Ely with a speaker from Nevada. We had planned a side trip to the open copper mines at Ruth, but there is no consistency on the overlooks being open and the roads are dirt and dusty.
Saturday, June 6th
This is a long day with a great deal of traveling. There is no continental breakfast at the hotel. Getting up early is a must and having breakfast in the hotel. The bus will depart from the front of the hotel by 7:30 a.m.
A detour to McGill (12 miles northeast) will be made at my insistence. McGill was my second hometown. It was a company town (Kenecott Copper) I will thrill you all with stories of McGill. You will visit a bar (The McGill Club) for a little WWII nostalgia. You will visit the Swimming hole that was the center of my early life. It will be a trip down memory lane for me as we drive thru town. Then it is back to Ely and a 72-mile drive to Eurkea, Nevada. Here we will have lunch, provided by a local establishment. We had one of their sandwiches on the scouting trip and quickly ordered them for Utah Westerners. The box lunch will include a 6’-inch sandwich (beef, ham or turkey), homemade macaroni salad, chips and a cupcake. Lunch will be in a park (covered tables and restrooms, behind the opera house.)
The Eureka museum will be out first stop after lunch. The center of our attention, however, will be the Eureka Opera House. However, there is a problem. Some updating to the building is planned for the first week of June. I certainly hope we will miss it. The opera house is now owned and operated by Eureka County. Walter Cuschine, manager, said it is use for meetings, receptions, dinner and conventions more that 200 days a year. The county has spent several million dollars to make the place useful and attractive. According to a Google site, Eureka County’s estimated 2007 population was 1,559
Once we leave Eureka, it is north on Nevada Highway 278 (it is paved) to Carlin and I-80. It is an 88-mile trip. We will cross the Pony Express Trail and have a talk by Pat Hearty. It is desert but I found it quite beautiful. We crossed the Humboldt River and it was quite full,
David Jamiel, Elko BLM office, will meet us the California Interpretive Center west of Elko. It is not open yet and probably won’t be for another year due to funding woes. But David will give us a tour and tell us what the plans are for the center.
Then it is off to Elko and the Stockmen’s Hotel. We have rooms reserved there. Again, most are double occupancy. It you are interested in a single room, advance notice must be given to Steve Gallenson. There will be an additional charge.
No dinner gathering is planned for Elko. There are several Basque restaurants and we can make reservations for those who are interested.
Sunday, June 7th
The rush sort of ends. There is a restaurant in the hotel. Of course, for those Westerners so inclined, a number of ways to lose or even win at gambling available in both of our overnight stops.
Across, the large parking lot from the Stockman’s is the Pioneer Hotel. This is headquarters (actually a gift shop and tiny museum) for the Western Folklife Center. They normally close at 5 p.m. but we might be able to keep it open for an extra hour.
Sunday morning, again breakfast is on you, but the time element is a little more liberal – it will be announced later. We will tour the Northeast Nevada Museum around 11 a.m. (firm time later).
Now, I am sure, everyone will be asking, when do we get to Salt Lake? It is 231 miles to SLC. We will be making a drive-thru of Wells. Quake damage is still visible, I am sure with destruction and rebuilding (unlikely) in the future. Lunch will again be box lunch at a park in Elko. Arrival time in SLC should be late afternoon.
Questions! Call me 801-557-4476 or email at jhd@sisna.com
Jerry Dunton
Part-Time Trail Boss
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