Gerald L. Jensen

Gerald L. Jensen, "Jerry", 76, died December 5 in The Woodlands, Texas, of heart failure arising from an early-stage battle with lymphoma. Jerry was born January 6, 1940, to Cyril and Shirley Jensen in Rawlins, Wyoming. Jerry was his mother's son, dutiful and kindhearted, with the rare traits of being both ambitious and selfless. His personal successes were many. He was a scholar-athlete at Wheat Ridge High School and Brigham Young University, a Harvard Law graduate, a commissioned Naval officer, a community activist, an attorney, a serial entrepreneur with vast success in energy and real estate, and a committed philanthropist focused on micro lending in Africa. Yet throughout his life, he was never defined by his accomplishments, and he retained the frugality and humility instilled in him by his Depression-era parents.

Jerry had many interests and passions. He was licensed pilot, an avid reader, and an extensive traveler. He loved sports and ran sprints into his 40s, found golf in his 50s, played basketball into his 70s and refused to ever quit skiing despite a knee replacement. He was a devoted Broncos fan from the time he acquired season tickets in the 1960s until--literally--the day of his passing. He loved to discuss politics, economics, and religion, and he adored family reunions and tracing his family's lineage. Spirituality was a central aspect of Jerry's life and took roughly three stages. During his early life he was a devout Mormon, in his middle years, he was a reasoned skeptic, and in his later years, he was a pragmatic believer in Christianity and an active member of the Methodist Church.

Jerry's greatest legacy stems from the indispensable role he played in the lives of his friends and family. He was a loyal friend to many, with a subtle wit and an easygoing nature; an honorable son who made his parents proud; a unfailingly helpful and caring brother; a patient, devoted father whose wisdom and moral guidance shaped the character of his children; a doting, warm and highly involved grandparent; and a faithful and loving husband. He was, simply put, a pillar of strength, the one to turn to in moments of need, and the man you always knew would make the ethical and right decision.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Colleen; his daughter, Jackie and his granddaughter, Haley; his son, Jon and his daughter-in-law, Amy, and his grandsons, Owen and Lucas; his son, Brett and his daughter-in-law, Anna; his son, Chris and his daughter-in-law, Meredith; his brothers, Larry, Julian, and James; and his many nephews and nieces and other extended family, all of whom he loved so much.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." -- 2 Timothy 4:7