|
My Friend Jerry Ahern
Wikipedia says that "Jerry Ahern (born Jerome Morrell Ahern, in 1946) and died Tuesday 24th July 2012 was a science fiction and action novel author best known for his post apocalyptic survivalist series The Survivalist. The series centers around the attempts of Dr. John Thomas Rourke, an ex-CIA agent, to preserve his family. In the first book, a nuclear war begins while Rourke is returning from a business trip. After surviving the crash of an airliner in the Southwest United States, Rourke fights his way across the chaotic horror of the post-war United States to his hidden subterranean survival retreat in Georgia, where he eventually reunites with his family."
To those of us that faithfully followed John Thomas Rourke, Jerry Ahern was special!
I had the privilege of meeting Jerry back in 1993. I had called Ahern Enterprises (Jerry and Sharon's Holster Company) to order a holster for my custom .45 auto (the Widow Maker). After speaking with the "tech guy" for about 20 minutes he said, "If it doesn't work, send it back and we'll fix it."
I said, "I appreciate that, but I've heard it before - who am I speaking to?"
"Jerry Ahern," was the response.
"No s**t," was mine.
I was heading to the Air Force First Sergeant's Academy for training and we made arrangements to meet in Commerce, GA. As I was sitting, waiting to meet Jerry I realized I had no idea of what he looked like. Then a black pickup pulls in and a guy wearing mirrored sun glasses and a bomber jacket (the same garb John Thomas Rourke wore) stepped out; I knew it was him.
Over the years, we developed a comradery I shall always treasure. He was an absolute gentleman and an absolute gentle man. Every phone conversation ended with his appellation, "God Bless" and he meant it.
I knew Jerry had been experiencing some health issues but his focus was always on the future, he was even talking about bringing John Thomas Rourke back to life, revitalizing that series.
As a writer,(according to Wikipedia) "Ahern published numerous articles in magazines such as Guns & Ammo, Handguns and Gun World and contributed the monthly "Field Issue" column to the latter publication. One of his recognized areas of expertise is holsters and leather gear for firearms, and he has produced a line of holsters. Ahern's non-fiction works include the book CCW: Carrying Concealed Weapons: How to Carry Concealed Weapons and Know When Others Are, (1996) Blacksmith Press. In recent years, Ahern has become a non-fiction writer for Michael Bane's Downrange.TV web site.
Jerry Ahern was the president of Detonics USA from 2004 to 2007, when it was based in Pendergrass, Georgia. Some of his fiction books are collaborations with his wife Sharon Ahern. He has also released books under the name Axel Kilgore."
I'm not going to go into much about our friendship, that's private. I will tell you this:
- he loved Sharon
- he loved his son, Jason
- he loved his daughter, Samantha
- he loved his grandkids, Olivia Akers and Alec, Aidan, Emily, and Addison Ahern; and nephew, George R. Smith
- he loved his whole family
- he loved his country
- he loved his God
- he believed in the 2nd Amendment
- he was a good man
- he was one of the most genuine men I've ever known
- he was courageous
- I never caught him in a technical or tactical error in any of his writings
- not once did I ever heard him speak ill of anyone, even those that had wronged him
- he was my friend and I shall miss him.
When Sharon sent me word of his passing, she said, "Jerry died yesterday in his sleep -- not what an action adventure writer envisions -- but, he was a peaceful guy at heart."
Personally, I think he did it right. Jerry Ahern didn't complain. I think if I may speak for my buddy, he would say, "My only regret is not being with Sharon, my kids and grandkids."
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, GA is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com, (706) 367-5467.
Sincerely,
Bob |
