In Memory G. Gauth

Gerhard Dauth  Born 8. May 1939 Burgdorf, Switzerland  Died 16. Feb. 2009 Perth, Western Australia Gerry’ s early life was tinged with some sadness, his mother died when he was only 4 years old, and his father brought Gerry up and his 2 older sisters. After working some time as a laboratory technician and having a stint in the Swiss army as a medico, he had an abhorrence of war, Gerry decided to take off and see the world. Two years of hitch hiking through Asia eventually brought him to Singapore where he boarded a cattle boat; destination Derby Western Australia. There was more working and traveling through Australia: Arriving in Perth in 1965 he met Sue Gare, whom he married a year later. Finally the unhappy years of his earlier life was exchanged to a very happy family life that produced Tim born in Switzerland followed by Chris and Heidi born in Perth. Amongst other jobs Gerry worked for the State Government of W.A. his last position as a System Analyst. He was one of the early pioneers using computers and he became an expert at it. At his home he had computers; old ones, new ones, ready to be altered, under repair looking at you from every corner of the room.  I met Gerry in the early seventies when the Swiss club of W.A. and soon after the Swiss Yodelers was ' established. He and Sue where part of the foundation members of the Yodelers, and before long Gerry not only became a very good singer, but also an accomplished Alphorn player. We performed at different functions for over 30 years, and recently produced our own C.D. which incl. "GERRY'S JODEL" I think music and singing was part of Sue and Gerry's life, some years ago they joined another singing group the Working Voices Choir. I shall always picture Gerry as the typical Swiss, the Berner" Senne Chutte and Chappe " his antique" Ap- penzeller Pfiffe ", his white beard and his very strong Bernese dialect. Gerry and Sue managed many trips back to Switzerland and in 1990 they performed quite a feat; walking from Roman- shorn through the Jura range to Geneva, it took them 25 days. He also was a keen Bike rider, doing the Albany Perth rides some years later. A great lover of nature, whether it was fishing with his kids up and down the coast of W.A. playing golf, another hobby was playing Petanque, they even build their own playing ground behind their house in Guilford.  His very strong commitment to environmental issues was always evident. Organic gardening became the norm, a Grey water system was built, and every aspect of not harming the environment was adhered to. His involvement with the Swiss club will be remembered by many, particularly his extensive work as Editor with the club magazine, and also producing and presenting the Swiss radio show for many years. When the Gugga Burras were formed he bought a Tuba, taught himself to play and found himself another hobby. Who can forget the Samichlaus event, with Gerry's deep Ho, Ho, Ho, ringing trough the air, and many a small child at first a little apprehensive but soon warming to a kindly and gentle voice.  When the Swiss club purchased their own Bush property, Gerry and Sue were always there when work was needed to be done, and one of the highlights was Gerry's Alphorn sound mixed with the crackling of the 1. August fire that took one straight back to the old country. A committed Family man I could always sense a very deep love that Gerry and Sue had for each other, and it must have come as a terrible shock to find out that Gerry was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006. He fought a courageous battle that alas was a loosing one. I saw him 2 weeks before he passed away, and I knew he had his bags packed and was ready for his final journey. His parting words were "I wanted to live in my new house for a while and celebrate Christmas with all my family, which I did, and my other wish is to celebrate my Seventieth Birthday in May " which he did not make. He passed away peacefully on the 16. February 2009 surrounded by his Family. He left behind his wife Sue, children Tim, Chris and Heidi and Grandchildren Jessica and Lachlan. As I am writing this, I suddenly hear from somewhere in the distance "GERRY'S JODEL", it is a very nice Jodel... a happy Jodel... Sergio Paini