A big fan of progressive rock and a great guy in the prog community will be missed. See Pictures of Jerry at Rosfest 2004.

Jerry Sr.'s love of our musical community was very strong, and evidently this love was recognized by Jerry Jr. as he took time to inform us of this sad news.

My deepest condolences to the Midwest Gang. Your loss is felt by all of us. I'm sure we will be able to do something for Jerry at ROSfest and I'm sure that Jerry would want us to have a great time in his name. We love you guys!
-George

Jerry - I did not know ya in person, but I toast you and all that was good within you and without you. A dram (or two) of the finest scotch in the house is raised in your honor - peace.
-Scott

It's with great sadness that I request the Midwest chain not cross out Jerry's name, but highlight it; Julius Saroka, please send 2A to Mike Carlson. I hate this part. If the Midwest chain members would like to write a short condolence to Jerry's family on the recipient list and send it back to me at the close of the chains travels, I'll send it on to his family.
-Tim

I am deeply, deeply, deeply saddened by this news. I am on the verge of tears as I write this. I don't know what else to say, except my thoughts are with his poor family. Devastating. This is the first time we have lost one of our own. To honor his memory and his support of Frogg Cafe he will NOT be unsubbed from the Lillypadd. I will just change his status to "no mails". Farewell, friend. This list is diminished.
-Tim

Hail GGiants; It was with a sad heart that I read the news of Jerry's passing, I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry at "Nearfest’s" I attended. He will be missed, my deepest condolences to all Jerry's family and friends.
- UncleBob

I'll miss Jerry. He was a welcome part of the prog community that I know.
-Scott

Ah geez! Way too young to go! Jerry was a former list member. I've interacted with him a few times over at the progressiveears site since. I am saddened by his passing. Please share our condolences with the family, Norm, and thanks for letting us know.
-Dan L
n.d. to Jerry's memory
n.p. Banco "di Terra"

Oh no!! Jerry was a wonderful person. He was a regular at my Outre Music shows. I always admired the fact that he would make the trek up to the northside of Chicago all the way from Indiana for any given show. He was a dedicated and loyal music fan and all around fun guy to be around, and I feel honored to know him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family...I'll miss you Jerry!
-Michael Eisenberg

Hi Everyone, What a community we have here. Caring, sharing and thoughtful. If you want a minutes silence before our set, then we will definitely be up for having it as a sign of respect to a good man and I am sure I can speak on behalf of Magenta when I say that the opening song of the set will then be dedicated to our friend Jerry. He will be missed. See you all soon.
Kindest Regards,
-Matthew, Magenta

I am saddened by the untimely passing of Jerry. He was a very cool guy who always had a friendly word for everyone. Jerry was a member of Progressive Music Society since the early days and was instrumental in introducing me to No-Man and Porcupine Tree. If you are a NEARfest regular, you knew Jerry one way or another. I will miss him.
Peace,
-Mike

Jerry Jr.--I am saddened to hear of your father passing away this morning. Your Dad was one of the many people in our little prog world but his heart put him at the top of the list. I will miss our conversations about bands and shows and everything in between. I will miss sneaking out of shows going to have a butt with your Dad. Jerry will be missed for sure and sadly missed by myself. I will say my prayers for the family and let us remember how this great man lived. I will not make it to Chicago--but my thoughts will be there.
-Alan Baillargeon
from the NewEARS Family

I second that. I did not know Jerry personally, but he seemed like a good guy and I am sorry to hear of his passing.
-Alan

Oh how horrible!!! I knew Jerry, he was at all the concerts I went to in Chicago. We met at a Spock's Beard gig, and he was always a fun and sincere guy to hang around with before the shows, and talk prog. I was just talking with Jerry right here about going to Prot-Kaw, and expressed how I was sad he was going to the Chicago show, and not the Milwaukee show like I'm planning.... because he's always a pleasure to hang with. My best wishes and thought to Jerry friends and family. He will be missed.
-Martin Kornick

Hi frog´s, that´s very bad news my sympathy for his Familie these knew him for everyone.
yours respectfully,
-Theo

Very sad news indeed Matt! :( We will all miss Jerry. May he Rest In Peace...we know that he's in a better place and has way better music than we could ever even imagine!
PEACE,
-Beth

Being new to this board and not terribly active on other boards, I didn't know Jerry Keller. But judging from the touching support he inspired on this list, I can tell that he was truly a special man. It's a great shame that people like him are taken from us. My thoughts are with his family.
-Don

I have just logged and read this terrible news. Jerry was a true music fan and had really shown Magenta a lot of support. We were all looking forward to meeting him at ROSfest and having a drink and a chat. Though he unfortunately can't be there, we will still be playing to him and we know he will be listening. Rest In Peace Jerry. Our deepest condolences to Jerry's family as well. Sorry for your loss, Jerry will be missed by all.
Regards,
-Magenta and F2 Music

Would you please be so kind to forward my condolences and best wishes to Jerry's family? I was quite shocked to hear about his sudden passing. Way too young to go. I'll miss him on our little list. Thanks for letting us know,
-Fred

This is so terribly upsetting. He was part of that first ROSFest crowd, what a great weekend that was. My heart and prayers are with Jerry's family. My own dad died 2 years ago next week, I feel for them. RIP, Jerry -- you will be missed.
-April

Very sad news, indeed. I only met Jerry briefly at the Nektar/Caravan show in Chicago, but he seemed like a great guy with a kind heart and a passion for music. My heart and sympathies go out to you at this time.
-Neil

Norm, Greg and I are so upset to hear this horrible news! Please pass our condolences on to his family. We were wondering if you might have a photo of Jerry that you could email to Greg and/or me ... Greg would like to post a pic on the station with a memorial caption. He played a Magenta song in his honor this evening, and I'm sure more will be said in coming days. Thanks for passing on his son's email to us. His family is in my prayers -- I know what it's like to lose a dad.
Sincerely,
-April and Greg

I was sad to hear the bad news. If you think it would be appropriate, I could put together a short video tribute. I would need photos or video of him and a list of his favorite prog songs. I could have it done by Rosfest. Let me know email or call home 440 843 6076.
-Allen

This is very sad news! My condolences go out to his family. I have known Jerry for a short time and he recently e-mailed me regarding the Proto-Kaw shows this weekend. He was part of are contingent here in the Midwest and will be greatly missed. Rosfest will not be the same without him I know he was really looking forward to Rosfest this year. We will all miss him.......
grieving
-ML

TRULY SAD NEWS!!! JERRY WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO SO MANY OF US. HE LOVED AND SHARED HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC WITH US ALL. I MET HIM SEVERAL YEARS AGO AT NEARfest AND WERE VERY, VERY, GOOD FRIENDS SINCE THEN. MY HEART HURTS, I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY,
-NORM

Not sure if we can do this but. Can we sign off this list until tomorrow 5 pm in honor of Jerry
-Kilt Boy

Please extend all my love to Jerry family. I'm very sorry that I had to be the one to give you the news. I wish I could be present on Sunday. I will miss him.
-Michel

That's terrible news. I met Jerry at ROSfest pre-show last year and he was a really nice guy and a real supporter of our music. He was wearing a NJ Proghouse T-shirt, the one to help rebuild the Metlar after the fire, even though he had never even been to a show (because he lived 600 miles away). He just wanted to support a prog series that he heard was great. Sometimes I go to different yahoo groups or Progressive Ears and do a search for "Frogg Cafe" just to see what the chatter is and he was always saying unsolicited nice stuff about our music. RIP Jerry.
Thanks for letting us know, Jeff.
Peace,
-Andy

Jerry was instrumental in convincing me to attend my first RoSFest this year. I won't get to repay him with a beer on me, but I can guarantee that I'll be thinking of him.
-Greg

So sorry and very saddened to hear about this! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jerry Jr. Jerry was also a regular on my prog board - Progspace.com. We never met, but I remember from his emails and posts that he was really looking forward to ROSfest and in particular...seeing Magenta. Here's to you Jerry...you have the very best seats now for every Prog festival....you'll be missed.
-Chris

All, For those of you have not heard already, list member Jerry Keller passed away from a heart attack this morning. Jerry was a great guy and will be missed.
-Jeff Swanson

Heart wrenching news today. We were going to see each other this Sunday and room together at ROSfest. Please say a prayer for one of our musical soulmates.
Matt Lewis(Chicago)
-Magog

Jerry, Please accept my condolences. I am stunned. Your father was a great guy, and I always enjoyed hanging with him at NEARfest, and shows in Chicago. Please send me information on the visitation. This is an incredibly sad day for me.
Thanks,
-Steve Sly

I am stunned and saddened.....I just had a truly good friend (54 years old) whom I coached baseball with and coincidentally last ran into at Bally Doyles the night I met with you and Matt, die of a heart attack 3 weeks ago....This is depressing news. I know it will dampen the spirit of RosFest for all of us, but suggest we will have the spirit of Jerry with us as we hoist several tankards to his memory. Keith just can't believe this new either.....
-Mark

What a shock! I’ve been driving around remembering my times with Jerry. He will be missed.
-John

Thank you for the phone call. I cannot stop crying. Jerry was a very dear friend to me and you. He was my favorite Prog Buddy. I just got to the office this morning after returning from a San Diego Conference the last 4 days. Of course a package from him was on my desk. We shared a TON of music. He was so excited about this Sunday's Proto-Kaw concert in Chicago and the upcoming ROSfest Festival. I will attend his service and will extend a heart felt message to his family from you. He always talked very highly about you.
He will always be remembered,
-Norm

I'm just walking back and forth in my apartment I just spoke to him 2 days ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just have words to express my sorrow and words are not enough. This man was my friend and I will miss him. Peace.........Jerry
-Michel

Wow. My heart hurts. I've know Jerry from various prog festivals. ProgDay, NF and last years initial RoSFest. My prayers go to Jerry's family.
-Stephen

When losing someone you know, there are no words to really comfort those affected most - family. Jerry Jr.: I honestly didn't know your father at all, other than seeing posts on this board and a few others. What I do know though, is he was obviously one of the good guys around and truly respected by everyone. I also know that he supported everyone in the progressive music community with his entire being. For that, we are all thankful. The world needs a bunch more people the caliber of Jerry Keller. To Everyone: If there's a way something will happen at RoSFest or anywhere else as a tribute to Mr. Keller, please count me in. Anything needed, I'll be there to help without question
-Kenny Solomon
Swiss Navy Productions

I didn't know Jerry except for reading his enjoyable posts at some prog forums. Life is so short, and you just never know when it's your time. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
-Randy in Alabama
p.s. Hope to meet some of his prog buddies at ROSFest.

I saw this post earlier today, but was quite overwhelmed. I know I wanted to post something on behalf of the entire band, but I needed some time to process the shocking news. Jerry was an amazingly positive and supportive fan of progressive rock. I enjoyed his posts on a number of forums, and came to feel as if I knew him well, even though we lived hundreds of miles away and lived completely separate lives. I will always appreciate his enthusiasm and the support he showed to IZZ. He was one of the most vocal supporters of our music on the scene, and I'm sure he's responsible for recruiting more than a few new fans to the fold. We keep making our music because of people like Jerry; they mean the world to us. I really feel like the band lost a family member. It's probably an odd thing to say about someone I barely knew, but in our rarefied and tight-knit community of prog aficionados the passion we share for the music brings us one step closer to each other from our first exchanges. We members of IZZ are eternally grateful for that divine spark that Jerry demonstrated. I have to believe he held all the wonderful things in his life as preciously as he did prog. On behalf of Tom, John, Greg, Anmarie, Paul and Laura, our heartfelt condolences are extended to your entire family, Jerry. While we can't know the sorrow you are experiencing, know that we grieve along with you.
-THE BAND “IZZ”

Wow, I am grateful to have been so involved in Jerry's life and we all know that he felt at home with the KANSAS and progressive rock family. He was a prog encyclopedia at times, teaching me things I didn't know about bands I listened to, and introduced me to bands I may have passed by. We met when I was a prog chat host on AOL and About.com. He would come in to the room and we would talk all night. I introduced him to the PotSW mailing list, and told him about ProgDay and NEARfest(which at the time was in it's inception). He joined the ProgANDOther mailing list in time (late 1998) to participate in the tape ring we had between list members. Thanks to Bob Eichler, the PAO family became very strong, having met mostly on the KANSAS PotSW mailing list coordinated by Ryan Waldron. There was a faction, led activistly by Bob and we migrated to his new list. From that list came a cohesive, closeknit family of progfans who made inroads that influenced many of the progscenes that are flourishing today. Many were involved administratively/voluntarily with Pete Renfro; Chad & Rob; NJProghouse and ultimately ROSFest. We also were instrumental in the idea of the KANSAS DVD concert; having broached the idea of a private KANSAS show with their stalwart fans. Jim Robinson, Kira Smith, Steve Sly, Bob Eichler, Shellyn Ganger, myself, Ginny Landgraaf(for all who don't know her, she was the Princeton student who plaid the Thai bamboo caen at the inaugural and 2nd NearFests) Jeff Swanson, Terry Martin, T.J. Higgins, Eric Baillargeon, Chad Preston, Bryan Miller, etc. Jerry simply fit right in as though he'd always been around. I'll miss him,
-kenny

As many of you know, I will be producing a documentary at this year's Rosfest. I will dedicate it to Jerry and I will produce a tribute to him at the end. If anyone has photos of Jerry that I could use, please send them to me. If anyone has video that would be great. Email or snail mail. I will return anything that's sent to me.
Thanks,
-Allen Gunnison
7036 Greenleaf Ave.
Parma Hts., OH 44130

I was very sad to hear about Jerry! We need to honor him by enjoying the Protokaw show.
-Tom

Since finding out about Jerry's passing on Thursday I've been reflecting on all those posting. I just can't focus. This is my first posting. I have much difficulty with this situation. As soon as I read Jerry Jr. e-mail I called Norm and George and both of them did not know. That was hard too. Norm immediately told me about the package on his desk from Jerry............. 2 days before he died we spoke on the phone. He actually bought me an item on e-bay and was going to give it to me when we see each other at ROSfest. Friday I get the 2A Midwest list from Frogg Café and his name is there again. Jerry was my roommate at Nearfest and we where going to share a room again this year at ROSfest. I was really looking forward to that. Actually other then the music I decided to attend this festival (it's my first) this year because me and Jerry haven't seen each other for 2 years. We met on the Internet 5 years ago following a posting "looking for a roommate". After that it's history like they say. I met Norm, Magog, John, Jim, Steve ........... and many others all because of Jerry. Jerry introduced me to many Prog bands; Kraan, Niacin, Ayreon just to name a few. Jerry also made me rediscover Gentle Giant. We had a great time together and it's that time that I will really miss. His sense of humour and many conversations about Prog, having a drink with him. We had a great time together for the short time that I have known him which seems to be forever. Like Magog mentioned, Jerry made sure that everybody he new would be made aware of this "new" band called Magenta. I was one of them and it's because of Jerry that Magenta music is in my CD player for the last year. Magog, if George would allow it before Magenta comes on I would like to say a few words in the memory of Jerry. Thank you Jerry for everything. I will miss you.
-Michel

OMG this is sad news indeed. I don't even know what to say. Keep us informed Norm. So sorry...
-Joel

My deepest condolences to you and your family! Jerry was a true friend of prog. We were all blessed for his presence in the community.
Peace
-Rob

What devastating news. My prayers are with Jerry's family.
-Cozy

This is terrible news. I wish his loved ones comfort.
Regards,
-Sean

I'm going to miss my concert festival roomy. Devastating news.
-Magog

Although I barely knew Jerry on a face to face level, I always enjoyed his impassioned posts on several music discussion sites I frequent. He was a true music lover in every sense of the word and his absence will be strongly felt by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
-Steve

Jerry's handle here was progjer IIRC. I first knew him years ago from the Gentle Giant listserv. Unfortunately, I never met him personally, but I know I would have liked him if I had. Thanks for the news, Norm, as sad as it is, and please share my condolences with the family. He died too young.
-Dan

I've shared friendly prog talk with Jerry on other lists, and ironically, didn't know he was on this list until I was reading some thread yesterday and saw a poster named "progjer." I figured that had to be him and clicked on the profile to see what he looked like. It was great to be able to put a face to the name! He looked like a nice chap, exactly the way he came across in his posts. I was looking forward to more prog chat with him here, and now this is devastating news! My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Keller family. This is a sad day indeed....
respectfully,
-Pete (GD)

Jerry last year at ROSfest,he was a hell of a nice guy... Sad. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Jerry

He's 'progjer'. He and I had a PM thread going for quite some time. This is a tragedy, and Jerry's family will be in Arhlene's and my thoughts and prayers.
Regards,
-Duncan

RIP Jerry....we'll all miss you. I'm glad I got to meet him at NEARfest and then see him again at RoSfest...really nice guy.
PEACE
-Beth

Very sad news. He was posting here just yesterday and now he's gone.

damn this is so sad, sorry to hear prog jer yeah i remember him. cool guy

I resided right by him -- he in nearby Crown Point and me in Valparaiso. I believe we missed each other at the TMB show, and he seemed to be a nice fellow. My condolences to his family and sentiments towards him and that he may rest in peace.

There's no easy way for us to find the words to say we will miss our friend Jerry very much. From all of us at the Rosfest family we send our deepest sympathy to the Jerry Keller family.
-George Roldan & Tom Smith

Wow. Please accept my most heart-felt condolences.
-Chad

A sad loss to everyone in the community, but it pales in comparison to the loss his family has suffered. My heart and prayers are with his wife and children.
-April

Jerry was a household name on the ProgAndOther list, which I subbed to for ages before even hearing of PE. My condolences... This is indeed a sad day. Obviously he's left a positive impression on a good many folks here. My heart goes out to his family. May they be at peace in such a time of sadness. Here's to you, progjer. Keep on following the muse, wherever she leads.
-Bruce in Korea

So sad to hear this. I always enjoyed reading his posts and he truly had a passion for the music and always kept the fires lit. A very helpful and heartfelt spirit in our community. We'll miss him. Rest in peace.
love,
-Sharon

remember reading his posts... nice guy. sad news... RIP Jerry

adieu
-Faust

I didn't know him well at all but he was always cool to talk to in the chat room. Very sad and shocking news indeed.

Sad news indeed! Peace on earth and in heaven. Best regards to the Keller family and may their suffering be brief.
Regards,
-Greg

Very sad news. I didn't know Jerry personally but he seemed like a very lovely guy. Rest in peace.
All the best,
-Per

Jerry will be missed. I always appreciated his intelligent and knowledgable posts here, and you could tell his passion for life and the music.
RIP my friend!
-Pete

Very sad news. I recall reading a couple of his posts only yesterday. I never met him but he seemed like a very likeable guy. My condolences to the Keller family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jerry, but I do remember some of his posts. To try to learn a little more about him, I looked him up on PE. Looking at his profile, it's easy to see that this was a man with a sense of humor. The occupation he listed was "Rich Hollywood Movie Star". He also listed his hobby as "saving mankind". Saving mankind seems to be such a daunting task but I think with his humor, kindness and smile...maybe he was saving mankind one at a time. Wish I had gotten the chance to know him...seems like a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family and friends.
-Mark

Great guy, Loved his posts and his laugh @ NF.
-Mike

My condolences to you all. I didn't know Jerry well, but I had corresponded with him on threads on a number of occasions and enjoyed and appreciated his comments. A sad day indeed and may he rest in peace.

Wow, I can't believe this...progjer. I don't recall ever reading a cross word from that fella here at this site. He seemed like a gentleman, and a class act to me. Don't think I've ever met him personally at NF, but now I wish I had. RIP Jer, we'll miss you. Norm/Matt could you make sure the family gets a copy of this thread to let them know how respected he was in this community. I think that would be nice.
-Lino

I really enjoyed Jerry's posts here at PE a lot, really got the sense of a very nice guy. Very sorry.

I met Jerry about a year ago - a very nice guy. We talked for quite a while after a Musical Box show - he even remembered to send me a Genesis boot. He's the one who pointed me to this site - He will be missed. Sad news, indeed.
-Ben

Terrible news ;( My thoughts and prayers will be will Jerry's family and friends. I'll miss Jerry.....he was such a nice guy.
-Tom

Go easy, fellow traveller... Fair winds and following seas!
-Sass

How sad, and so young! Jerry recently bought a few things from me... I didn't really know him, but he seemed to be a great guy. Rest in Peace.

I cannot speak for Tom and George BUT, I’ve been discussing how we can make a tribute to Jerry @ RoSFest. In my mind I feel it would be best just b/4 the opening band on Saturday (only because some people won’t make the Friday shows). There are some persons who have asked for time to speak of our departed friend and I think opening the event will be the best time. I’m open to comments from this list as to when YOU think that time should be. I’d prefer this be an off list discussion so please forward all comments to stephenjoann@carolina.rr.,com and I will forward all comments to Tom and George. I love all of you guys and I’m sure Jerry is progging right now with God
-Stephen (kilt Boy)

Just saw on one of the music forums of Jerry's passing, our condolonces to his family & friends.
-Feargal Mellon (Derry, Ireland)

I will miss Jerry very much. He was a great music fan and I had enjoyed corresponding with him about the music that we both love. I will miss seeing him at the music festivals. He was a very friendly face that I looked forward to seeing each year.
-Greg Hall (Waterford, MI )

My sincere condolences go out to the entire Keller family from myself and my wife Vicki. Although we had only known each other for a short time Jerry was an individual I feel I had known much longer. He was a very genuine person and will be missed by many of his closest friends and acquaintances.
-Michael Lendobeja (Milwaukee, WI )

Heaven will exceed your most cherished musical moments...but I would have preferred to have you on earth a while longer.
-David Astley (Mississauga, ON )

I got to know Jerry from a couple of music lists and through the NEARfest festival in Bethlehem, PA. He loved music, loved to talk music and always seemed to be smiling. I enjoyed conversing and spending time with him. I raise my glass my friend. A sweet man that I will surely miss. May the Lord comfort the Keller family.
-Bryan Miller (Huntsville, AL )

I am so sorry for the passing of Jerry. As a member of the Gentle Giant mailing list I appreciated his contributions. I guess we all learned from him in one way or another. I also met him in the Nearfest 2002. A really nice man. My condolences to his family.
-Jesús Tapia (Ciudad Juarez, Mexico)

Jerry was a very, very, special person. He touched the lives of so many people. I met him a few years ago and it seems like I have known him my entire life. I loved sharing music with him and will miss him dearly. I feel your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you,
-Norm Nied (Oak Lawn, IL )

Hello, My name is Lew Fisher. I met Jerry several times at the NEARfest and Progday festivals. I always liked speaking with him. His love of music was truly contagious, and he was a very good person. I will miss him a great deal. Sincerely and respectfully,
-Lew Fisher (Arden, NC )

Jerry and I shared several discussions about music, and planned to meet again at an upcoming music festival. Jerry and his family are in my wife's and my thoughts and prayers. He will be missed! God Bless,
-Duncan Glenday (Frederick, MD )

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I met Jerry at some Progressive Rock functions and he was a really nice guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep His hands on your whole family. PEACE
-Beth Folland (North Augusta, SC )

I knew Jerry because he was a fan of progressive rock music. He was always very supportive of my band, "Frogg Cafe" and was constantly posting nice comments about us. I got to meet and hang out with him at ROSfest last year and we had a great time. My deepest condolences to the family. Sincerely,
-Andy Sussman (South Salem, NY )

My sincere condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Gerry at O'Hare on my way to my first Progressive Music Festival. Gerry was wearing a t-shirt from the previous year. This was the start of an all too brief friendship. Our paths crossed at numerous shows since then. Gerry was a wealth of knowledge on music and other topics. I will truly miss him.
-John Hoelscher (Park Forest, IL )

Sorry for your loss. I have had the pleasure of working with Gerry at UIC for the last 5 years. He always had something interesting to talk about. One thing I will remember about him is his interest in E BAy and how every time he came in to work his greeting me would begin with "you know Patty...." and that's where the interesting conversation would begin.
-patty dominguez (chicago, IL )