Gerald W. "Jerry" Newell

Gerald W. Newell (Jerry) was born in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 1950. Jerry passed on his 62nd birthday, August 18, 2012. His proud parents, Percy and Bonita Newell, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters and brother: Bonnie Carey (David); Steven; Barbara Newell Walker (Fran), one child, Anastasia Tara and three grandchildren.

Jerry came home from the hospital as a bouncing baby boy weighing 10 lbs. and sporting a head full of dark brown curly hair with beautiful brown eyes. He was the delight of the family with his easy smile and sunny disposition. He was blessed growing up in a neighborhood with numerous peers, all eager to play outside. As a young boy, Jerry played baseball with a group of friends for the Old Timer's League. He excelled at whatever he focused upon. Jerry helped himself and his family by landing a job as a carrier for Denver's evening newspaper, The Denver Post, delivering newspapers every evening from his bicycle. Jerry was also musically-inclined and played the trumpet in the North High School Marching Band.

After graduation from North High School, Jerry met and married Stephanie. Their union produced a beautiful daughter, Anastasia Tara. Tara eventually married and gave Jerry three beautiful grandchildren: Mackenzie, Jamisenne and Liam.

When Jerry and Stephanie moved to Maryland, Jerry worked for the United States Senate Printing office during the day and held a second job to help support his family. This marriage dissolved and Jerry returned to Colorado. After Jerry's return to Colorado, then he met the love of his life, Karen Joffer Newell. They met in 1977, stayed together and married in 1985, and divorced in 2007 but remained best friends until his death.

In 1978, Jerry was hired by Prudential Insurance Company. Jerry soared like an eagle in his new position, eager to learn all about the insurance industry. He later became an independent insurance agent helping individuals and families understand life and health insurance, as well as assisting them with their financial future while holding a Securities and Exchange Commission Series 6 license.

He served 21 years as a District Agent and Registered Representative for Prudential Insurance & Financial Services, where he actively engaged in professional continuing-education. While at The Prudential, Jerry earned many awards and accolades including the National Quality Award from the national Association of Life Underwriters.

Jerry was a leader in the insurance industry union, being elected to and serving in several offices. He twice was honored by his fellow agents when they asked him to represent their interests as a Contract Negotiator in Washington, D.C.

After retiring from Prudential he served in several customer service positions and enjoyed being a courier for a bank for a few years where he used his people skills to charm the staff in bank branches. It came naturally to him because he was very warm, welcoming and anxious to meet new people.

Jerry was very interested in medicine and took pride in the Emergency Medical Technician skills he had acquired in his working career. If anyone was in need of first aid or medical assistance, Jerry was always the first one over to lend assistance.

Jerry’s real life passion was cooking. He was an excellent and adventurous cook. He also loved to garden, growing his own ingredients for his wonderful cooking. Jerry continued to garden and cook even after he became disabled.

Jerry was a very brave and courageous guy-facing life and its challenges with a "don't let fear control you" attitude. That was his theme. He always lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, wilderness backpacking, camping and fishing in Colorado's high country. He took the "Nestea Plunge" once-bungee jumping head first from specially designed 10 story tower made just for that purpose-in order to experience the sensation of flying and conquering fear.

Jerry will be missed by his family and friends.

Visitation Friday, August 24, 2012, from 4pm to 8pm at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012, 9:00am, in the Chapel of Peace located at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary. Interment to follow at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery. A reception will be held starting at 11:00am at the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #2278, at 5700 Yukon Street, Arvada, Colorado.