tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post3632462520570363614..comments2024-03-27T08:46:54.369-04:00Comments on BabyBlueOnline: Farewell Gary JaskulskiAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490745238430648958noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-73519892844467620802010-03-03T20:06:24.088-05:002010-03-03T20:06:24.088-05:00JUST HEARD this news. Gary was in his early twenti...JUST HEARD this news. Gary was in his early twenties and still a student at the Hartt School of Music when my husband and I arrived at Trinity Church, Tariffville, CT as newly ordained transitional deacons. He was such a gifted musician and leader, even though he was much younger than most of the parishioners. (WE - in our early 30s - were much younger than most of the parishioners!) When it came time to plan our ordination to the priesthood, he was thrilled - and wanted to make it as special and God-glorifying as possible. When he took a position in a presbyterian church within the geographic confines of our diocese, i kept hoping i would be able to find a position for him in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. What a loss...and "Well done, good and faithful servant!"Mary Maggard Haysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-80230742651128726522010-03-01T15:18:09.383-05:002010-03-01T15:18:09.383-05:00I called Gary to be the organist at our church, wi...I called Gary to be the organist at our church, with the enthusiastic approval of a small search committee. When it came time to work out the details, Gary told us how much money he needed and to my grave disappointment, the committee approved a salary that surpassed my own---as rector of the parish.<br /><br />Gary happened to ask how much the rector was earning, and upon hearing of the discrepancy immediately turned down the offer. His explanation revealed enormous integrity and a respect for my ministry and office. I will never forget his truly Christian example of justice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-70486026299616447962010-02-26T10:46:11.379-05:002010-02-26T10:46:11.379-05:00Jennifer, what a wonderful, wonderful tribute. No...Jennifer, what a wonderful, wonderful tribute. Nothing like a good cry in the morning. God bless you.<br /><br />bbAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17490745238430648958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-85016350642424320872010-02-26T09:50:34.786-05:002010-02-26T09:50:34.786-05:00Gary and Merrilee are two of the most sincere and ...Gary and Merrilee are two of the most sincere and unpretentious people I ever met. He was funny, and with his unique style coaxed a wonderful sound, and garnered respect from his choir, a feat done without ever bullying or belittling, as I had experienced in a previous post. Merrilee was there to switch off with him and make it possible for gymnastic feats from Gary on the organ and piano. I am so grateful to Gary for bringing me to Truro as a soprano section leader. His fair treatment of singers was stellar, and he was a true advocate of giving singers what they need, a platform for their skills and a guilt-free pay system. Never did he budge on his professionals getting what they deserved; in a field where singing for the Lord is often deemed the only remuneration necessary, he was a dogged supporter of fairness for vocalists. That is why Truro choir stood out, and comments from the congregation were nothing but positive when he was in charge. I am forever grateful also for the opportunity to ad lib on a gospel tune and just go up to the microphone with 8 bars notice and sing a solo. It kept me and all the other soloists on our toes, that’s for sure! It also completely obliterated my nerves, which I could only indulge for a brief time or they would have gotten in the way. Now my philosophy is just “go for it!”, and that is all thanks to Gary. There has been none to match him and there will never be another. God keep you in his everlasting arms Gary, that is if he can pull you off heaven’s organ bench!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01628764641907372788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-73109668211658002472010-02-23T13:17:12.788-05:002010-02-23T13:17:12.788-05:00Mary, thanks for posting this. I'll be keeping...Mary, thanks for posting this. I'll be keeping Merrilee in prayer.<br /><br />Jamie's tribute does a wonderful job of capturing some of the uniqueness of Truro's worship style. I still can get chills singing the Gloria after all these years. Gary was such a blessing to Truro!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07776057299013988717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-24740715752618947432010-02-23T10:45:37.708-05:002010-02-23T10:45:37.708-05:00What a wonderful witness...may he rest in peace an...What a wonderful witness...may he rest in peace and rise in Glory.Creighton+https://www.blogger.com/profile/17772723100302629537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-83418420841371584762010-02-22T23:40:34.267-05:002010-02-22T23:40:34.267-05:00My condolences. Seems as if you lost a dear friend...My condolences. Seems as if you lost a dear friend. I am still young so I've not had to outlive any of my friends.Bryan Lake Portland Oregonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05703637244697044243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-38780972009281836522010-02-22T22:37:03.247-05:002010-02-22T22:37:03.247-05:00How great that Gary ended up bringing his gifts to...How great that Gary ended up bringing his gifts to St. Joseph Church in Sylvania, Ohio, my home town. Many of my close childhood friends went to St. Joe's parochial school.<br /><br />Jamie Brown, formerly at Truro and now the worship leader at The Falls Church, has a wonderful posting on Gary's passing on his blog.<br /><br />http://worthilymagnify.com/2010/02/17/thank-you-gary/Steven F. Hillnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-65894859090029659002010-02-22T20:51:57.483-05:002010-02-22T20:51:57.483-05:00Thank you for posting this! Gary was the organist,...Thank you for posting this! Gary was the organist, choir director at All Saints in Winter Park when we first went there. He and Merrilee were a charming couple.<br /><br />KathrynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com