Although Gerald, (Jerry), Joseph Thomas is his formal name, he unofficially changed his name to Harry when he was in his early twenties. He resisted the name Jerry because he insisted for years that our parents had named him after Jerry, our paternal grandparents’ dog. He was the sixth of our parents’ nine children, so it’s not inconceivable that originality in naming was not a priority.

For the most part, Harry found school only mildly interesting, although he loved art, and dedicated time to it long after he left school. He also loved sports, from baseball to football, from soccer to skiing to rugby. Unfortunately, rugby did not always love him back, and he suffered some crushing injuries while playing for the Denver Barbarians, RFC. His perseverance was legendary, however, and he came back to the rugby pitch again and again. His nickname, “The Human Splint” became a badge of honor.

Harry spent some time in the trucking and freight industry, hauling freight for a trucking company in Denver. It was as blue collar as it gets, and it was a holding place while he pursued his career dream. Harry had a burning desire to become a Denver Police officer. It was a highly sought after position, and Harry showed amazing persistence in achieving his goal.

After years in the patrol division, Harry secured a promotion to the elite Motorcycle Escort unit. He became an expert motorcycle rider in this unit, and he was put in close company with a wide variety of VIPs, from local politicians, members of congress, presidents, and Pope John Paul II. During this period, he met his future wife, Jan Satek, when he pulled her over for speeding. Twice. On the second occasion he decided to ask Jan for her number. Jan and Harry celebrated 38 years of marriage.

After a 30-year career, Harry retired from the Denver Police Force and returned to his interest in painting and sculpture. He also enrolled in classes in the History Department at the University of Colorado at Denver. Harry continued his interest in sketching, painting, and sculpture for most of his life.

Harry is survived by his wife Jan, his brothers Edward and Tom, his sister Mary, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donations in Harry’s memory can be sent to Humane Colorado, formerly known as the Denver Dumb Friends League.