AUTHOR: Robin Dugall DATE: 9:05:00 PM ----- BODY:

Yesterday, Dr. Gerald Wilson suddenly died of a heart attack at Azusa Pacific University. Gerald was our Old Testament and Hebrew scholar...I knew him as a soft-spoken man with a great sense of humor, warmth in his heart and an ability to relate well with just about everyone he met. I didn't know Gerry very well...but what I knew, I liked. I saw him just last Thursday as we were both walking between classes. I said to myself, "man, I haven't talked to Gerry in ages". I guess I'll have to wait a little while longer for that conversation. He was a husband, dad, friend, and fellow scholar with many in our school. Gerry was always hanging out with othe professors for laughs, good conversation and cultural critique. Besides getting his PhD at Yale, he taught in Oregon, wrote a commentary on the Psalms for Zondervan and was published in SBL journals and other scholarly publications. He was a hard working scholar and teacher...always working on articles...relating to students and being a helpful collegue. When I first was starting out at APU, teaching in the biblical studies department, he gave me some practical help and some resources that made a difference in my transition from the church to academia. I'll miss you Gerry...thanks for sharing the little you did with me. One day, we'll have to celebrate together...I was really looking forward to hearing what was on your mind and heart. Don't forget, OK? I really am looking forward to getting to know you better!

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR: wellis68 COMMENT-DATE:9:07 AM COMMENT-BODY:I didn't know him but there's something different in the atmosphere since friday. I'll be praying for everyone who was close to him and all the people who worked with him including you. This will be on my heart for a while. --------