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Jerry Retherford Obituary

Jerry Retherford will be remembered as a loving husband, encouraging father, and a friend who had unflappable integrity and an insatiable curiosity for exploring the world around him. He also had a pretty decent air guitar dance move. Jerry passed away June 14. He was 61 years old. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Jerry was born in Lincoln, Neb. on March 22, 1948 to Lester and Verna Retherford. He grew up in Lincoln with his sister, Joyce, staying to attend Nebraska Wesleyan for college. He graduated from law school at the University of Nebraska in 1973. While a devoted Cornhusker football fan, Jerry was lured by a lifelong love of the outdoors to the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. Jerry married his wife, Susan, in 1972. Two years later, they moved to Colorado Springs where they made their home and raised three daughters, Megan, Brittany, and Brooke. Jerry began work as a private practice civil litigation lawyer and has continued with long-time partners and friends, Lori Moore and Steve Mullen. He became known endearingly as "memo man." As a lawyer, he was thoughtful, meticulous, diplomatic, and hard-working - and inspired others to be the same. He became involved in a variety of organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Working Committee, Colorado Bar Association, and the El Paso County Bar Foundation, among others. Jerry's most cherished life role was as a husband and father. As a husband, he was the kind of man who liked to surprise his wife with flowers. As a father, he was the consummate optimist, lending many hours of advice about life, law, gardening, careers, and travel. He taught his daughters early in life to appreciate the taste of freshly caught fish during annual backpacking trips to the mountains of Colorado. He rarely missed a recital or sports event if one of his daughters were playing. Jerry loved good conversation and could talk as easily about basketball scores as he could about fine wines, mutual funds, or current events. Always up for adventure, Jerry could be an incorrigibly deliberate planner. He spearheaded vacations to the Virgin Islands, Scotland, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Italy, Africa, and many other places. He loved visiting Lake McConaughey each summer to water ski, drink beer, and barbecue. He not only dreamed of his own adventures, but he endlessly encouraged his three daughters follow their dreams as well. The past few years, Jerry adored being "Papa" to Megan and Sergio's children, Sophie, Luca, and Annie. Jerry had the chance to hold his newest granddaughter, Annie, when she was born June 13. Jerry will be missed by all who knew him and his spirit will be a constant reminder that living life to the fullest is truly the only way to live. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Trails and Open Space (TOPS) Coalition, KRCC, or to the charitable organization of their choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Retherford

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Perry Corder

June 30, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the Retherford family. I had the opportunity some years ago to work with Jerry on several cases involving insureds of my company, as well as play a round of golf at Arrowhead with him. I will always remember his very capable and kind demeanor. I remember most that he gave me a copy of 'A River Runs Through It' and asked if I would take him flyfishing some time. I regret that I never did get the chance to return the kindness and generosity he showed me, but I know that where he is now there are wide, green fairways and clear streams filled with trout for his pleasure. May all of your good memories of him, as well as the good memories of others of him, help you through these difficult times.

Jerry at Lake McConaughy, May, 1972

Paul & Bernadette Korslund

June 23, 2009

Dear Susan and family, We were so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. So many good memories of Jerry and you, Susan, are filling our thoughts. It was such a privilege and so much fun to attend your wedding in Rushville. Jerry and I commuted to law school in Lincoln together taking turns with our old cars which weren't always reliable. We will never forget the great time at Lake McConaughy with you and Dennis and Nancy Carlson in 1972. Jerry was a fine lawyer with a keen mind but down-to-earth and plain-spoken, rare qualities. His love of life and his wonderful family will never be forgotten. We treasure his friendship and yours. You are in our prayers.

John & Cheryl Retherford

June 22, 2009

John and I were shocked to read in the Lincoln Journal Star Obituary of Jerry's passing. John's and Jerry's birthdays were the same day, though John is one year older. Jerry must have been an incredible person. Now is the time to remember your loved one and the legacy of love you have shared. Now is the time for remembering that you have friends and family surrounding you, holding you up through this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathty,

Andy P

June 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the Retherfords. I know that Jerry touched many lives, and reading these postings brings back several fond memories. Our families were next door neighbors for ~25+ years. Jerry always had a warm smile, great laugh, laid-back demeanor and positive vibe. When I was 5, he lifted me up to the rim to slam dunk a basketball. In 3rd grade, he built a high-jump for Megan and I to practice on. When I was 22, he invited me over to sit on the patio with Uncle Dave, tell funny stories, and drink a glass of red wine. I miss you, man. You were something very special. -Andy Pruitt

Dan O'Donnell

June 18, 2009

I worked for Jerry from 1988 until 1999 when I retired. I wish I had stayed in touch with him. A guy with real class, and he will be missed. My sincere condolences.

Sandra Dugie

June 18, 2009

Jerry was my counsel on cases I have had over the years and he was always very nice, very professional and a pleasure to work with. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Sharon Yonkees

June 18, 2009

I was devastated to learn of Jerry's death. I worked for Jerry in 1977-1978 and it was a privilege and a pleasure. He could surely keep the work coming. My sympathy to his family for their sad loss.

Theresa Hurt

June 18, 2009

Susan - my condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of this - please know our family is always there for you.

Robert Brown

June 18, 2009

I recall the Saturday mornings years ago when his kids were 5-10 when we played basketball with the guys and the girls played at the other end (we avoided full court). Jerry was a great guy and even though we lost touch, the few times we saw each other, it was like we had always been in touch. A truly great guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family

Kait Corcoran

June 18, 2009

I worked for Jerry's firm in the early 1990's. He was a warm and generous person as well as a great attorney. My condolences go out to his family for their loss.

June 17, 2009

"I read the news today ohhhh boy...." What to say? This is a tough one. The quintessential "my word is my bond" - he walked the talk - he brought his own brand of nobility to the profession and we are the better for it. A good good man. Have enjoyed the reminiscences as I didn't know many parts of Jerry. None of the sweet stories surprise. Just the way he was. pacem, Tim S- Denver

Fred Soto

June 17, 2009

I only had a few opportunities to spend time with Jerry... the day before he passed we spoke to Susan about getting together to play golf. I was looking forward to it.

It was crystal clear to me that Jerry was the ultimate Papa. As a friend of Megan and Sergio, it was also clear to me that he was held in very high esteem by his daughters and truly loved by his wife.

Jerry accomplished a lot in life. I think his biggest accomplishment was being such a good Father, Husband, and Papa. I know that you will all miss him very much.

Our deepest condolences,

Fred Soto and family (Liz, Grace, Matthew)

Diane Muller-Berens

June 17, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Retherford family. Thinking back on the good times in Lincoln, NE during the early 70s. Also the fun time in Rushville, NE celebrating your wedding to Jerry.

Shannon Johnson

June 17, 2009

Jerry was my first boss in the legal field when he was first out of law school. It was great watching his success over the years. He was a truly decent, good man who cared about his community. We were blessed to have him in our world.

I pray for God's healing and comfort to all those affected by Jerry's passing.

Mary B. Johnson

June 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Susan, Brittany and Megan. Jerry was a fun dad and husband and a true Cornhusker fan.

Sarah Kelso

June 17, 2009

To the family of Jerry Retherford , my deepest condolences for your loss. I was a hiker on the incline Sunday morning. Please rest assured that the hikers that assisted Jerry did everything right. I was pleased to witness such selflessness even in a time of such sorrow. My family will proudly donate to TOPS in memory of this outstanding man.

Greg Thomas

June 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jerry was a long time partner with our company and his abilities and friendship will be missed. I will cheer a little louder at Husker games this year as his voice will be missed.

Sarah Kelso

June 17, 2009

To the family of Jerry Retherford , my deepest condolences for your loss. I was a hiker on the incline Sunday morning. Please rest assured that the hikers that assisted Jerry did everything right. I was pleased to witness such selflessness even in a time of such sorrow. My family will proudly donate to TOPS in memory of this outstanding man.

Greg Johnson

June 17, 2009

Dear Retherford Family,

I first met Jerry in the early 90's while in town for a lawsuit Steve was trying. Within 5 minutes, Jerry made me feel like we'd been lifelong friends, and it's been that way since. We could go a couple years without seeing or talking, but he always had a way of making it seem like there had never been any distance. One of the best times of my life was playing golf with Jerry at Sandhills a few years ago, enjoying his wit, stories, optimism, and company (and his slight fade!) His grin and laugh were infectious - he always had a way of making me feel better about myself by just being around him. I'm a better person for having known him. You all have my deepest sympathies - one of the best has passed on. I pray that you'll rely on the strength of each other and the values Jerry instilled in you, and that as time passes, your grief will be replaced by the joy of all your wonderful memories of Jerry.

Karen Lee Rawlins

June 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the Retherford family. A true soft spoken gentlemen has touched so many lives and will forever be appreciated and missed.

Memorial Health System Foundation

June 17, 2009

On behalf of the Memorial Health System Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the Retherford family, upon Jerry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you find comfort during this difficult time of loss. Sincerely, Memorial Health System Foundation

John Cyboron

June 17, 2009

Though I did not know Jerry well, I had the pleasure of dealing with him a few times as our legal careers crossed paths and he always lived up to his excellent reputation as a lawyer and, more importantly, as a person. Jerry was a tremendous asset to our bar and our community at large. He will be missed and remembered fondly.

Jim Buchanan

June 17, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim, Mary Ann, Joe, Bob, Deb and family

Tom Stringer

June 17, 2009

Leah and I express our deepest sympathies. We remember well the visit to Inverness with our dinner at home and the golf round at Black Diamond. Our prayers are with you. Tom Stringer

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