Jerry Insley Obituary

Gerald S. Insley passed away Saturday, December 21, 2013 at his home in Ashland, Ore. due to a recently diagnosed brain tumor.

Born July 5, 1927 in Prescott, Ariz. Jerry was the son of Russ and Bernice Insley, and brother of Ted. Jerry was an educator as well as an active community volunteer. He was a member of the Ashland Lions Club, building park benches, cooking for the 4th of July barbecues, and picking up Christmas trees for recycling. In the late 1970's he was a member of the Ashland School Board.

He was a proud member of the Medford Hangar of the Quiet Birdmen, greatly enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow pilots.

Jerry taught junior high and high school in Prescott, Ariz. as well as coaching football and track. He loved the kids and joyfully went to their reunions while keeping in contact with many former students. He maintained his lifelong connections to Prescott where he grew up, raised a little hell, and started his family.

He was a professor of Physical Education at Southern Oregon State College in Ashland, as it was then known, from 1966 to his retirement 1989. Dr. Insley was an advisor and mentor, guiding many students as they transitioned into their own careers as educators and coaches nationwide. He took pride in their accomplishments, and stayed in touch with his kids whom he dearly loved.

Following his service in the U.S. Navy in 1947, Jerry attended and graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe, earning his Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education. In 1966 he earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Oregon in Eugene.

As a pilot, Jerry proved you never stop learning, enjoying the trips and flying aerobatics. As a father and husband, Jerry showed us what it meant to know there was always someone in your corner, cheering you on and loving you. As a man, Jerry was a role model to us all.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lillian, of 64 years; his son, Colin Insley of Littleton, Colo.; daughter, Kim Insley and son-in-law, Pete Lentine, and granddaughters, Alyssa and Sara (Robin) of Plymouth, Minn.

Posted in the Mail Tribune Sunday January 5, 2014