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Remembering & Thanking Jerry Sommerman

6/14/2017

4 Comments

 
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Our good friend, Jerry Sommerman, went along to heaven yesterday after bravely battling cancer.  Jerry was MANY things: Husband, Father, Grandfather.  He was a mountaineer, adventurer, traveler, triathlete.  He was kind and happy and fun.  He listened and asked questions - he was so INTERESTING...but even more so was INTERESTED and invested in the people around him.  

Jerry actively raced with RTB for quite a few years from around 2008 and made many friends.  He won and drank from many podium pint glasses!  He did almost every single XTERRA Black Diamond - getting a little faster each time. He also did the Black Diamond Half, Lake Meridian Tris...   Bill took a photo of Jerry at the finish line of an event with his warm, bright, incredible smile. I used that photo on the webpage..in flyers... everywhere for a few years until I wore it out.   It - He - was a wonderful representation of the best of RTB.  I'm looking everywhere for that photo!! When I find it I'll post. 

Karen Nolting has great memories of him: "Jerry was a skilled mountaineer willing to teach and share his knowledge and love for the outdoors. The expeditions he led were inclusive, he built people up. Jerry had a wonderful laugh and he used to ease tensions and build relationships. He was always a friend. Even if you hadn't seen him for awhile. I could always trust Jerry. Whether it was on a bike or on a mountain. The circumstances didn't matter."

Scott Serpa is a long-time friend of Jerry's.  They are cut of similar athletic cloth...both doing amazing athletic feats long into the years where many men are taking up more sedentary undertakings. Scott remembers Jerry as "An amazing person - a great friend who valued his family like no other."

Jerry,  you were awesome - thank you for living a part of your life with RTB. We're better because you were with us.  We will miss you. 

​

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4 Comments
Francis Tomaszewski
6/14/2017 12:30:14 pm

Never met Jerry but I wish I had met him, rest in peace Jerry

Reply
David Raftis
6/14/2017 09:17:01 pm

I see that Jerry lived his life to the fullest and my prayers go out to his family and the RTB family! Inspiration to live by!

Reply
Gary Zasimovich
6/15/2017 07:46:45 am

I met Jerry a few years back when Dawn and I liven on Lake Morton a few doors down from his place. I really enjoyed getting to know him over the years as well as racing with him a few times! I am so saddened to hear of your passing my friend, until our next Tri...Rest In Peace Jerry...😇❤️

Reply
Susan Sommerman
6/18/2017 11:38:23 am

Thanks for the wonderful tribute to Jerry. He loved all the great folks he met at Raise the Bar. He enjoyed being challenged and beat (believe it or not!) by his women friends and was thrilled that women had the opportunity to train and compete the way he did.
northslope.net/cando/

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  • Home
    • SEASON KICKOFF!!
    • New to Triathlon?
    • About >
      • Contact
      • Mission
      • History
      • Staff
    • Blog
    • Sponsors
    • Privacy Policy
  • Members Only
    • Log in
    • Team Directory >
      • Directory Guide
      • Manage your Directory Listing
    • RTB Member Login
    • Andy Potts Racing & Coaching >
      • AP Coaching Options
      • 70.3 Training Groups
      • More at AP
    • Discounts >
      • Andy Potts Benefits
      • Multisport & RTB Lite Members' Sponsor Benefits
      • Multisport Members' Event Discounts
      • Swim Member Sponsor Benefits
      • Swim Members' Event & Training Discounts
    • Forum
    • Team Calendar
    • Race Plans
    • Helping Teammates
  • Team
    • About the Team
    • Sign Up!
    • Andy Potts & RTB
    • Where we are >
      • RTB South
    • Benefits
    • Team Sponsors
    • Team FAQs
  • Training
    • Andy Potts Racing & Coaching >
      • AP Coaching Options >
        • Compare Plans
      • 70.3 Race Groups
      • More with Andy
    • Swim >
      • Winter Weather Swims
      • Coached Pool Workouts
      • Open Water Wednesdays
      • Swim Workout Library
    • Bike
    • Run >
      • Monday Night Track
    • Swim Clinic for Aspiring Triathletes
    • Bike and Run Safety
  • Events
    • Volunteer Here!
    • Event Services >
      • Pricing
  • Store