Book of Memories for Jerry Zywiec

Condolence From James McNaul

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 22:15:00 EDT

Let me start by saying how sorry I am for your loss. No words I say can make that pain you feel less. But, I have to tell you my Jerry Z story. Believe me when I tell you that Jerry saved my life. I was on the fast track to giving it ALL up after my divorce. At the end of my rope, I answered a random ad in the Summit county paper for a beer distribution driver. Jerry took a chance on me. For 3 months I was absolutely sure I was going to be fired tomorrow. "You're killing me McNaul"! was his favorite saying during that time. I made it thanks to his "patience" and became the employee and, most importantly, the father I never knew I could be, because of Jerry. It's been almost ten now and I can't underestimate enough how much I owe my current life to his.

Story shared:

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:27:37 EDT

I met Jerry – gosh about a decade ago now. And as fate would have it we met on the football field. I had moved to New Castle from Glenwood and was once again coaching a Team for Three Rivers Youth Football. Jerry came up to me and asked if I needed help with coaching and I told him I did. That began a 10 year friendship and partnership. Not only did we coach a very successful bunch of guys in New Castle and Silt into Middle School (and Jerry into high school) – but Jerry and I oversaw the League of Three Rivers Youth Football – and with Jerry’s influence and guidance – ran a League that in my opinion and I know many of you would agree, is the best Youth League in the Roaring Fork Valley. Reflecting over these past few days about Jerry I realized that Jerry and I never - and I truly mean never had an argument over the direction of either our football teams or the League. And if you know both of our personalities - that can be somewhat opinionated at times - that fact is truly remarkable. I think it speaks to our unity and like mindedness. But there was one irritation Jerry insisted tormenting me with at every turn….. It was that dang Oklahoma Sooner garb he wore at practices and other events we would attend together. In fact just a few weeks ago at a golf tournament that he and I were playing together at, he once again steps out of his truck fully decked out in OU apparel! From the top of his head - he was wearing his OU visor - to his shirt and shorts, and before he put on his golf shoes, yeah you guessed it - he had on OU flip flops – and the worst part was he would just stand there smiling – I mean come on – even his dog is named Boomer Sooner! Jerry was a passionate guy. He was passionate about everything he did. If he thought the cause was worth his involvement, Jerry jumped in with both feet and saw it through for “Good” – “Better” -“Best”. Good, Better, Best was a motto he lived by and modeled to his players, family and friends. He always strived to give his Best at all he did. Other than the Football field, some of my best memories are when Jerry and I brought to New Castle through New Hope Church the Boys Stockade Program and oddly enough, with all the boys there, the vast majority of the Jackals from our football teams were there too. When I was over at Jerry’s house this week, Cole reminded me of the sledding parties we took the boys on and it looked like a Jackal reunion. And the dodge ball. You know how competitive Jerry is. I remember one intense game where Jerry was the last man standing on his team. I believe Cole was on the other team and had all of his team mates hold the balls. As they rushed the center line, Jerry did his best to attempt to catch as many balls he could that were hurled at him all at once. As the impact of the balls hit him, he lost his balance and ended up on his rear end laughing as only Jerry could. To Jerry family was everything. I was never around Jerry that he didn’t talk so endearing about Mic. And Jerry was a FAN. He was a fan of Coles. I was never around Jerry for more than a minute that he didn’t inform me of what Cole was up to and accomplishing. The entire day in the golf cart Jerry went on and on about his hero – Cole. And I know that Jerry is looking down upon us all and I’m also sure he just can’t wait to see that first kickoff next Fall of the mighty Coal Ridge Titans! God bless you Jerry and thanks for being a part of my life!

Condolence From Todd Anderson

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 02:38:33 EDT

Zywiec family, Please accept my condolences. Jerry and I played legion baseball together a long time ago. I remember Jerry as a very energetic and fun guy to be around. I am very sorry for your loss. Todd

Condolence From Carrie A. Kucera-Anders

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 01:43:27 EDT

So sorry to hear of your loss Mic, Cole and family. Know I haven't spoken to any of you since our 5 year reunion, but my heart pours out to you and hope that you can find peace during this difficult time. I always remember Jerry being funloving and very fiesty and had a strong zest for life, which I am sure carried through to his coaching career. I hope and pray that God blesses you and your family!! Carrie

Condolence From Shari (Rosno) Zysset

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 21:14:14 EDT

Mic, Cole & Zywiec Family: I am so sorry to read about Jerry's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Don&Renee Paczosa

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:54:32 EDT

To the Zywiec family you have are deepest sympathy. Jerry was a great guy. I have so many great childhood memories with Jerry.We played alot of sports together.We will being praying for you.God Speed!

Condolence From Charles and Marian Smith

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:50:59 EDT

Gene, Dee and Family Our heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your son, husband, and brother. May our Father hold you gently in his arms and comfort you through this time of pain and sorrow. Charlie and Marian and family

Condolence From JEFF JACOBSEN

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:41:20 EDT

I MET JERRY AT THE HMR HEALTH CLASS AT VVH. WE TALKED ABOUT MOTORSPORTS AND HIS CARD IS STILL ON MY MESSAGE BOARD. I ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS HUMOR AND WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. AND HIS LAUGH AND SMILE. WE HAD PLANNED TO GO SNOWMOBILING WITH HIM NEXT WINTER. I WAS SHOCKED AND SADDENED BY HIS DEATH AT SO YOUNG. I AM 67, SO HE WAS YOUNG. MY SON WAS A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STAR IN BASALT, SO WE TALKED ABOUT THAT ALSO. AGAIN I AM SO SORRY. JEFF JACOBSEN, BASALT

Condolence From Bowker Family

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:07:05 EDT

We are thinking of you during this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence From shauna lewis

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:29:50 EDT

Mic and Cole along with the whole Zywiec family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. He was such an inspiration to Devan, and other boys as well. he will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Darren, Crockett, Devan and Shauna

Condolence From Todd and Lisa Duren

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:30:47 EDT

Mic and Family.... So sorry to hear of your loss, we have not seen you or Jerry for a long time, but you are always in our hearts as a part of our Shamrock Family. It was wonderful to see how passionate Jerry was for his family and the game of Football. As a former football team mate of Jerry's, it means a lot to see that he helped young men develope the love of the game. Our hearts go out to you and your family, we were just with Gary and Cindy Saturday night, little did we know of the great loss.....Keep the faith, God will always be there by you side! Todd and Lisa Duren

Condolence From Jerry Rosno

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:47:06 EDT

Dee, Gene, Michele, Cole Gary and Sherry......I am so sorry for your loss. From what I read Jerry was a outstanding young man. God give you the strenth to deal with these sorrowful times..... Love Cousin Jerry

Condolence From Wendy Synowicki

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:07:36 EDT

Dear Dee, Gene & family, Your parish family is offering our fervent prayers and heartfelt sympathy endlessly! When one so filled with Christ's light is ushered back to the place from which they came (Paradise), it leaves a hole so big and dark, those remaining behind struggle to cope. But that is where our faith in Christ enters in for the Bible says, "the darkness is as day to Him." He is with you in your grief. He knows we do not understand His plan. And He knows how awful it is to stand beside the lifeless body of one so dearly loved (even faced with an impending resurrection!) Let Him carry you close to His broken body and pierced heart, given again and again for love of you. He will not fail you. He did not fail, Jerry. Jerry is alive and well at this very moment, alternating between dancing with the angels and building the perfect dwelling to hold your heavenly family reunion on a day that never ends~ love, Wendy Synowicki, Omaha, NE

Condolence From Paul and JoAnn Kozak and families,

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:47:10 EDT

Dear Mic & Cole, Gene & Dee, Sherri & Michael, Gary,Cindy & family: Our hearts break for all of you and what you are going through. God has a plan and sometimes it is hard to understand....We have to trust in him. Words never ease the pain of losing a loved one and we feel your pain. May God wrap you in his arms in these trying times!

Condolence From Randy Zach

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:25:26 EDT

Mic/Cole/Pam/Emil, I am so sorry to here about Jerry. He enjoyed life. That was the case back when you all lived in Denver and it doesn't sound like it has changed. Keep up his legacy of enthusiasm for life. Randy

Story shared: Jerry knew how to live life.

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:22:30 EDT

Geez, where do you begin with stories about Jerry? I hadn't spent a lot of time with Jerry. Just a few years in the '90s, but there are definitely stories. Working with the JC's in Denver. Golfing. Crashing at his house so many times in Denver, especially during my dizziness episode, where I had to spend a week in his basement. Him trying to teach me how to snowmobile in the deep stuff, as opposed to the flatland snowmobiling. He had to get off his sled more than once to dig me out--thanks Jerry. Rolling Rock beer-enough said. Gambling in Central City. It is pretty clear that Jerry knew how to have a good time. He followed his passions like the outdoors and football. A lesson we should all take from him. I know I will. Take care Jerry and God Bless! I'll be thinking of you Mic/Pam/Emil. You have my deepest sympathy. Randy Zach

Condolence From Lana Kropatsch Sieler

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:25:29 EDT

I am sitting here writing this still in disbelief that Jerry is no longer with us on this earth, but with our Heavenly Father. I have known Jerry, his parents and siblings my entire life. I have so many wonderful memories of Jerry and his family while we were all growing up at the cabin at Duncan Lakes. Skiing, swimming, boating, jumping off the dock, swinging from the rope, and the wonderful 4th of July parties are just a few that come to mind. I can only hope and pray that Jerry's passion of life continues with him in Heaven and continue with all of us here on earth. Peace be with you Jerry!

Condolence From Dan Prososki

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:02:37 EDT

Mic and Cole, I truly hope you are letting the Lord in to comfort you during this time. I have great memories of Jerry playing by him on our highschool football team and him helping me jump starting my car a lot. As a former coach, I was glad to see Jerry was coaching, because he truly enjoyed the game. Mic, the one thing I know for sure is he truly loved you. I always believed you brought out the best in him. He was very dedicated to you. Jerry obviously provided very well for his family and also wanted to provide for others. You have to believe right now he has a whistle and is coaching someone right now. Since I found out, I have thought about him a lot and the good times we had with many of our same friends from school. Cole, I truly hope you carry his passion with you. God Bless all of you. Dan Prososki

Condolence From Sonya Thornburg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:36:41 EDT

To Mic,Cole and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. I am in shock over the news as I am sure you all are right now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping your memories of Jerry will give you strength through this heartbreaking time. He will be greatly missed.I remember all the crazy times in Lincoln we had at his house. Remember the Halloween Party. What a fun-loving wonderful person he was. My heart goes out to you.

Condolence From Troy and Deb(Pensick) Hiemer

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:05:29 EDT

Mic, Cole,and Zywiec family We were so sorry to hear about Jerry. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Condolence From Kurt Kuta

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:47:43 EDT

To Mic and the Zywiec and Ruzicka families, My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you with the hope that you find comfort during this sorrowful time. Jerry was a very good friend in high school and I have many great memories of that time with him and many of our classmates and schoolmates from Scotus. He is the first person from our graduating class to pass away, so this is certainly not only a very sad, it is new and unsettling. I hope and pray you all find hope in the salvation Jerry is now experiencing and I hope all of us take this as a reminder to fully enjoy and rejoice with those so near to us while they are with us.

Condolence From Pat Zywiec

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:00:10 EDT

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Always remember the good times and keep memories close. Keeping you in my prayer's and may the Lord give you strength to get through this sad and trying time.

Condolence From Dan Niedbalski

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:07:02 EDT

Dear Mic and Cole, I will be there for you in any way. Jerry ment so much to everyone and we are wanting to help you through your sorrow.

Photo shared: Zywiec_6.jpg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:52:35 EDT

Photo shared: Zywiec_5.jpg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:51:43 EDT

Photo shared: Zywiec_4.jpg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:50:59 EDT

Photo shared: Zywiec_3.jpg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:50:55 EDT

Photo shared: Zywiec_2.jpg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:50:47 EDT

Photo shared: Jerry_Zywiec.jpg

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:50:34 EDT