Jerrold Thomas Green

April 16, 1947 - August 18, 2014

Jerrold Thomas Green
April 16, 1947-August 18, 2014

 

Jerrold T. "Jerry" Green, a Utah architect who demonstrated modesty, courage, determination, generosity and good humor every day of his life, died at home August 18. He was 67.

A graduate of the University of Utah School of Architecture, Jerry was known as an purist of building design, a trait reflected in the art moderne home he remodeled and loved. He designed school facilities in southern Idaho for Richardson & Richardson, church facilities for Sharp & Pinegar, and student service facilities at the University of Utah. While with Max Smith & Associates, he designed energy-efficient mountain homes as well as housing for low-income and disabled Utahns. Steel and glass were his favorite, but he could work wonders with rock and wood as well.

Jerry made a substantial difference in the lives of others despite living many years with multiple sclerosis He served on Salt Lake City's Accessibility Council and was co-chair of Utah Transit Authority's Committee on Accessible Transportation. He also coordinated activities and did fundraising for the University of Utah Rehabilitation and Wellness Clinic. He participated in many activities with the National Ability Center in Park City, where he took hippo-therapy and skied.

Jerry's tough but gentle patience and tenacity helped him raise his daughter Erin mostly on his own earlier in life and to remain independent and active despite his later disability. A private person, he rarely asked for help. "He was my hero, my inspiration," Erin said. "When I was growing up, he would tell me to remember who I was and what I stood for."

He was sentimental and had a quirky sense of humor, a gem. The standing joke among members of his annual Lake Powell crew was that he brought a different date each year … until finally finding one to come again, Barbara.

Jerry was born in Salt Lake City April 16, 1947 to Harold W. "Bill" and Marjorie Powers Green. He was a football linebacker and wrestling champion at Olympus High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He married Vickie Bonner September 6, 1973 in Elko, Nev.; divorced. He married Barbara Smith Thayne
February 28, 1996 on St. Thomas Island.

Jerry is survived by his wife; daughter Erin and son-in-law Jeremy Elliott and their twin sons Brenen and Dillon; stepdaughter Alisyn (John) Wallace and their four children, including best buddy Andrew Thayne; Aunt Eileen Juenger, all Salt Lake City; and brother Dennis W. (Diane), Temecula, Ca.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, August 23rd from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Saturday at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Graveside service to follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City.

In Loving Memory

All through school I admired Jerry's strength, resilience and kindness. I am so very sorry for your loss....he was THE one in a million.

Patt Anderson Rodgers

Taylorsville, Ut

I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was such a wonderful friend. Love and prayers to the family. I will miss his friendly smile.

Kathy Larrabee

Kearns, Ut

I have so many wonderful memories of Jerry. As a fellow believer in the power of exercise, he is a personal hero of mine. An inspiration to many, Jerry was a driving force in keeping the MS Exercise Program going. I will miss his wry humor and his endless spirit.

LD Artman and Alan Mueller

Salt Lake City, UT

Barbara, Denny and Diane: I was so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing He was a talented architect. Every time I saw him at a social gathering or at Smith-Crown, he always had a smile and a kind word. He will be greatly missed. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you/

Tom Wharton

Taylorsville, Ut

Barbara Having played football with Jerry in high school, his spirit-drive and tenacity were evident early on. That alone set him apart from most of us. He continued to exhibit those qualities throughout his life. . He was an example for all of us. We are so sorry for your loss. Bless you all. Jim and Elaine Brown

Jim and Elaine Brown

Salt Lake City, Ut

I'm very to hear about Jerry whom I've known for the last 5+ years at the Wellness center MS group. He always was a leader and fun to be around He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss. Woody Diixon

Jeff Woodrow (Woody) Dixon

Salt Lake City, Ut

Jerry and I were neighbors from 6th grade through 12th grade. He was my friend. As kids we played kick the can and we ate green apples in Jerry's front yard. Jerry encouraged me to play football. Our senior year was the best. Jerry played right guard and I played left guard. I am so lucky to have had Jerry's humor and honesty in my life. We will all miss him.

Jerry and Janet Bullock

Sandy, ut

My history with Jerry goes back to our playing little league football together in the 8th grade. He was the toughest lineman I ever had to face. I knew him as well with Max Smith and Associates. His purity of design and straight forwad approach made him again the toughest and most loving architect I had ever met. Our love and light to his family and please know how much he brought to you and how much you gave to him. My wife Jane Ann sends love to all and remembers him fondly from Olympus High School. Love to all

Jane Ann and Dan Roberts

Sandy, Ut

I only begun to get to know Jerry being a new member of the CAT committee and in his sub-committee group at UTA. He was such a nice man. He will be greatly missed.

Debbie Manchado

Salt Lake City, UT

I have many great memories of Jerry through junior high, high school and also later working on low income housing together. He will be missed. Reed and Theresa Robinson Sandy, UT

Reed Robinson

Sandy, UT

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