Hello, my name is Diana Wyant and I had the special pleasure of hiring Jerry into Trammell Crow Company. 

Please excuse me if I appear to be distant in relaying thoughts of Jerry to you.  At this time, my heart is heavy and there is great sorrow for the passing of such a wonderful person.   Please know that along with all of you, I love Jerry. 

My story with Jerry begins about 1 year ago:

Jerry’s resume came across my desk and it almost left my desk without notice.   He had just graduated from UCLA and was working for a start-up company, HoneyB, in which he was responsible for ensuring we stayed safe from the Bee pests….  It was an interesting business and unusual not only in the service provided, but in that he was part of a start-up operation.  Although it did not appear he had much work experience, I loved the initiative and drive I felt he had in order to be a part of a new organization. 

I called Jerry in for an interview and instantly liked him.  He was pleasant and had a lot of energy.  He was always smiling and at first I couldn’t tell if he was laughing at me or really just that happy….  He also appeared to be very eager to do anything in our organization, he just wanted an opportunity.  He told me his dad was a professor of real estate at Cal State Northridge which I promptly told him was wonderful, but it doesn’t mean you are bright; it means your dad is smart…..  I the asked him what he brought to the table.  He proceeded to provide me with a long list …it was exhausting, but as I would later find out, he was humble and didn’t exaggerate all that he possessed. 

I could barely contain myself as a young, eager, bright person willing to work can be rare.  My challenge: I really didn’t know what to do with him and I felt like maybe the one job opening available would not be right. Needless to say, I thanked him for his time and let him know if an opening became available, I would call. 

Jerry stayed in my mind because; he kept calling me to see if there were any opportunities at TCC.  He just wanted his foot in the door; he was willing to do anything.    Eventually, I came to my senses and decided to hire Jerry, but not as an employee, hired him as a contract worker.  I basically told him we really wanted someone with experience but, I was willing to give him a shot and he had to prove himself.  I threatened him!  I didn’t want to see great work and effort for a day, or a week or two, I wanted to see it all the time and he was required to learn fast.  Now, one would think with my less than enthusiastic approach to presenting the opportunity, Jerry would turn away…he did not!

Jerry proved himself immediately within our Company.  He had a significant impact on our organization and all those who worked with him.  He worked hard and was a true pleasure to have around.  Jerry was considered a true star, a performer and results oriented.  My peers were very eager to try and steal Jerry from me, I had to tell people to back off…he’s mine…!

One of my fondest memories of Jerry was his humor, his wit.  Jerry was very sharp and this was always evident in his humor.  A couple of the stories:

1. Lollygag
2. Writing Course   

There is an old adage which basically states, there are two things in life we all share in common, life and death.  What really matters and what can really distinguish us from each other is what we do in between life and death…the years between.  Jerry’s life although short, had much in between …   and I consider it an honor and an absolute joy that I got to know Jerry, work with Jerry and ultimately learn the importance of living life now, to the fullest with a positive attitude and action to follow suit.  That is how Jerry approached everything in his life; he gave everything and shared his gifts of intellectual prowess and curiosity, energy and enthusiasm, humor and wit with a balance of true compassion and interest in people, an overall joy for life.  When I think of Jerry I only have happy memories, I smile each time the thought of Jerry crosses my mind.   He gave so much and I feel most blessed to have been able to be a part of Jerry’s life.

Eulogies

Appreciation Remarks from Jerry's Sister......................................................................................................Ms. Andrea Chen

From Jerry's Cousin...............................................................................................................................Ms. Claudia Chen

From Jerry's Girlfriend.................................................................................................................................Ms. Vicki Chin

From Jerry's Friend at Trammell Crow...........................................................................................................Ms. Patti Maude

From Jerry's Friend at Trammell Crow..........................................................................................................Ms. Diana Wyant

From Jerry's Brother of Lambda Phi Epsilon.......................................................................................................Dr. Jack Chen

From Jerry's Brother of Lambda Phi Epsilon.......................................................................................................Mr. Frank Ngo

From Jerry's High School Friend......................................................................................................................Mr. Peter Kim

From Jerry's High School Friend....................................................................................................................Mr. Samuel Lin

From Jerry's Friend at Trammell Crow...............................................................................................................Mr. Ron Heim

Concluding Remarks From Jerry's Father.........................................................................................................Dr. Chao Chen

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