As we struggle to let go of the warm, sunny weather of summer, we struggle to say goodbye to a dear Flintster and friend.

On Wednesday, October 14th, Flint Communications copywriter and self-appointed “curmudgeon,” Jerry Connelly, passed away after a long, courageous fight with cancer.

But the cold, gloomy week is brightened by many fond memories, and a few of Jerry’s curmudgeonly one-liners.

Jerry was an excellent writer who gave a voice to dozens of local and national businesses at Flint Communications – and with other agencies and media outlets here and out west.

• His first job in the Fargo-Moorhead area was at WDAY-TV working as a copywriter, announcer and weekend TV weatherman.
• He spent nine years in Los Angeles where he performed many jobs, including a stint at the CBS Promotion Department, as an associate producer for a commercial studio, as a radio personality and news director… even working in the storeroom at Universal City Studios (Jerry said it was “a terrible job that involved lots of heavy lifting and absolutely no glamour.”)
• In 1976, Jerry returned to Fargo, writing for KFGO Radio, and later the G.L. Ness Advertising Agency.
• In 1984, he moved to Monterey, California, where he worked as a radio production director.
• He returned to Fargo and G.L. Ness in 1992 — and in 1996, he landed at Flint Communications.

Jerry also lent his talents to many off-the-clock creative pursuits. He freelanced as a narrator of films, video, and slide presentations. He authored a book, television and film scripts, radio plays, and several published articles. One of his screenplays received the 1997 first place award at the Monterey Screenwriting Competition. He was active in community theater in California and Fargo, playing leading roles in five plays at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater. FMCT also produced his collaborative musical script, Maris, in 1997.

Jerry shared his razor-sharp wit with everyone he met. Kidding around, (and frequent use of his trademark expletive-substitute, “florkin’”) was just part of the Jerry Connelly experience. Whether he was cranking out edits or brainstorming headlines, he brought laughter to the table. Even when he proofed a document, he’d occasionally leave a zinger or two in the margins.

Never letting cancer get the best of him, Jerry was actively working, writing, and making us smile throughout his treatment. He busted every “timeline” the docs gave him, and loved coming to work – having a place to go – no matter how curmudgeonly he seemed. That’s what made it so hard to tell him to take it easy, that he didn’t need to be worrying about the next ad that had to be written or proofed that day. He liked being around the office and being around people who cared about him.

The Jerry Connelly Foundation is Coming Soon
Jerry’s dog, Buddy, was a frequent and welcome guest in the office. Bubba & Company, a local pet daycare, is helping Buddy find a new, loving home. They’re also setting up “The Jerry Connelly Foundation” to fund boarding and vet costs for pet owners in critical care situations. It’s an exciting project and a touching memorial for Jerry. Watch the blog for more information, or call Bubba & Company at (701) 235-4959.

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at 6:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society or Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society.

We’ll florkin’ miss you, Jerry.