Edgar James FitzGerald Jr. “Gerry”, 86, of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, mentorship, and service.
Born on October 22, 1939, in Wallace, Idaho, to Edgar James FitzGerald and Marion Lane, Gerry graduated from Wallace High School in 1957 and attended Gonzaga University before proudly serving in the United States Navy beginning in 1962.
For 54 years, Gerry devoted himself to the Mt. Spokane Ski Racing program ( S.S.R.A.), where he became much more than a coach. He was a mentor, teacher, role model, and friend whose patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in others inspired thousands of young athletes. His racers became his extended family, and the lessons he taught reached far beyond the ski hill.
Gerry also found great joy on the waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where he spent countless cherished days with family and friends. He will be remembered for his warm smile, kind heart, quiet strength, generosity, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome.
He shared 41 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Ruby FitzGerald. He is survived by his loving sister, Mariann FitzGerald (Jon Large); his children, Jennifer Lyn FitzGerald “Jenn” (Steve Heberer), Edgar James FitzGerald III “Jamie,” and Meaghan Maureen Marsh “Meaghan” (Kenny); his grandchildren, James Tipton FitzGerald “J.T.”, Nick Heberer, Ellesse FitzGerald, Claire Heberer, and Kellan FitzGerald; and his great-grandchildren, Theo and Malcolm.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, at St. Aloysius Church in Spokane. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow in the Hemmingson Center, Third Floor Ballroom, on the Gonzaga University campus. Family, friends, former racers, and all whose lives Gerry touched are invited to attend.
Gerry’s legacy lives on in his family, his athletes, and the countless people whose lives he enriched through his generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.