JANUARY 2008
14625 CR 672, Wimauma,FL 33598
(813) 634-0000

There is only one job where you can start at the top,
and that is digging a hole.          (Guideposts/Nov 07)

Dr. C.M. (Jerry) Geraldson

new faculty 1951..
         ...retirement 1990

It is with our deepest sympathy that we said goodbye to Dr. Jerry Geraldson just this past month.  Dr. Geraldson died peacefully at his home in Bradenton on December 17, 2007.  Many of us here at the Center had the opportunity to work with Jerry Geraldson over the years before he retired in 1990.  Although retired, he continued coming to the Center in Bradenton.  Dr. Geraldson first started with the Research Center in Bradenton in 1951 as a soils professor.  His last visit to the Center was just this past month when he attended the Ag Expo with his son, Greg.  Dr. Geraldson was most assuredly an interesting man who lived a full life, blessed with a loving family.  From his early years raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to the Geraldson's family farm in Bradenton and his research at the UF Gulf Coast REC, he gave much of his life to agriculture, while mixing in some semi-professional football, acrobatics with the Tumbling Tars, a long-standing member of the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, a gymnast instructor and many other activities and participations.  He garnered many agricultural awards for his research and participation in the agricultural community. A more extensive and interesting eulogy can be found in The Herald published 12/20/2007.  To his family, we say, "Thank you", for sharing Jerry with us through the years.  He will be missed!   (surrounded by his family, Dec. 2007)

6.....Christine Cooley
13....Geoff Denny
14....Linda Richards
14....Jim Dyer
15....John Hogue
19....Tad Connine
20....Felix Diaz (ret.)
20....Sarah Smith
23....Steve Kalb

Man shapes himself through decisions that shape his environment.
                   Rene Dubos