(08/02/1962 – 07/02/2018)
“The Mayor of 12th Avenue“.
Gary Juers was my 1st cousin & the 2nd son of Harry Walter Juers & Bette Rewick. We got along very well as kids, and I always enjoyed spending time with him. But as cousins do, we move away, start our own lives, and then years or decades go by without any communication at all. Such as it was with Gary, sadly, and many more of my first cousins. I was closer to his older brother Michael, who’s the eldest of all us 1st-cousins in my immediate family tree. Gary was his younger (& only) brother.
Gary attempted to attend my dad Ken’s memorial service on Long Island, but his car broke down on the way & he was stranded for a week or more. I always appreciated that he made the attempt to come to NY, but sadly never spoke to him about it. He has become the example by which I would like to be known… a selfless giver to his friends & neighbors, a creative, funny man with a heart of gold & an ability to get into the hearts of people.
That’s why Gary, who lived on 12th Avenue in Indian Rocks Beach, FL, became known as “The Mayor of 12th Avenue”. Everyone there loved him. His neighbors, who I met, Tony & his wife Shari right next door, Robert & his wife Wednesday down the street, and Gary’s girlfriend Jodi too… all loved him & were stunned by his sudden loss- Jodi in particular bore the brunt of Gary’s passing.
Gary was very creative, as I mentioned… his home was filled with a plethora of sculptures & coy ponds & welded art & so many horticultural treasures… it was clear that Gary was able to create beauty with his bare hands, and he shared it with the world & people around him. I wish I had gotten to know him better, especially since I was only a few hours from him… that’s a burden I will bear for awhile; because I believe family is very important, and I didn’t do my part to reach out more. He’s taught me not to let that happen again. Rest in peace, Gary… your people love you.
Holy Masses will be said for Gary Randolph Juers on July 2nd at 7am (1st anniversary of Gary’s death) and on August 2nd, (Gary’s birthdate) at 9am at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Road, Largo FL. Live stream is also available at http://www.stjeromeonline.org if you are unable to attend & wish to pay respects.
May God rest his soul and heal the hurt in our hearts. Pray, pray, pray.
From Michael
Named: This will not be an ordinary obituary
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Harry Walter and his mother Charlotte Elizabeth. He is survived by his only brother Michael, his wife Pamela and their 3 boys, Andy, Charlie and David and his close friend Jodi H.
Gary wasn’t your ordinary guy. He didn’t care if you were rich or poor what color you were. He only cared if you were nice to people. And that’s all he tried to be was nice to people. Gary was ‘Organic’ before the word was ever associated to food. He lived life barefoot ( or in work boots) and cut off jeans, silver necklace, sunglasses propped on his head, not for shielding his eyes but for what he called a poor man’s toupee. Lol.
He loved his dogs and cat as much as he loves his neighbors. To all of the people on 12th Avenue you should know that we talked every day and he told me so many wonderful stories about you all.
They tell me that he was called the Mayor of 12th Avenue. Mayors takes care of the people in their towns, it warms my heart to think he took care of the people of 12th Avenue. It is no wonder he wanted to live his life there. He had a purpose.
I have been called from people who rented houses on 12th Ave and have been told the sweetest things about him. When we were in Indian Rocks Beach, Pamela & I were stopped numerous times & asked if I was his brother; then the crazy stories started about how he once fixed this….or that
Please feel free to share stories on his Face Book page… Yes he had one… Thank you to all who loved him, he is with ‘B’ and Harry now and not in pain any longer..
In addition to Gary’s friends mentioned – Julio was like a brother to Gary, and Miss Elsa cared very much the same for Gary, as both Julio and Miss Elsa have homes
adjacent to Gary’s cottage. Gary loved them both dearly and was a part of their daily lives; there is a vacancy on 12th Ave, and in their hearts, that will never be filled.
Benediction by J.A. Jance
I gave the Lord my greatest grief
My burden and my care
He turned it over like a leaf
And soon there blossomed there
A flower of faith, a bloom of grace
With petals soft and fair
The dew drops sparkling in the sun
Was once, I’m sure, a tear.
My life was storm-tossed and confused
I couldn’t find my way
I asked the Lord to see me through
And guide me day by day.
He took my hand and calmed the sea
Waves died at His command
Then o’er the calm He carried me
Until we reached dry land.
And as the storm clouds rolled away
Their edges silver lined
I watched a rainbow bridge the sky
And knew God’s grand design.
He changes weakness into strength
Makes courage from despair
Our stumbling feet turn into wings
When we come to Him in prayer.