Jerome M. Raftis Tribute

Jerry was a customer of my mom's business, Trade Graphics for years. But Jerry knew both my parents from years before in the printing business. My dad, Jack Van Gelder, passed away in 2004 from lung cancer. My mom, Dona is still very active and shares in expressing sympathy to the family. Kyle would often accompany Jerry on his daily visits to our office. He was always in a good mood and looking for coffee as soon as he hit the door.
Jerry helped me purchase my first brand new car in 1980, a Camaro with T-tops, from Camp Chevrolet, by putting in a good word with Jerry Camp Jr. I have never forgotten that. On occasion if I was in the Loon Lake area, I would stop by and visit and he always welcomed the company at his home.
He always had many stories of outings with his children, and he sounded like an exceptionaI dad. I know he was an exceptional person, and will never be forgotten!