Jerry Kurzenbaum, who died last week in Missoula, certainly had a lasting influence on the Polson area. He purchased the print shop of the Flathead Courier when owners Carmine and Todd Mowbray decided to just focus on newspapering.

Jerry was a man of many interests — art, history, summer theatre, graphic arts and printing technology developments, community involvement, sign and banner painting and much more. Among his achievements in Polson was establishing Gull Printing as a state-of-the-art printing shop with computers and new equipment able to produce all types of print jobs including signs and street-wide banners, screen printing of T-shirts, caps, jackets, etc. The business also provided a convenient pickup service for Fed Ex.

He also sponsored traditional German Oktoberfest events and gun shows in Polson and Missoula. There was no greater booster of Montana Grizzly and local sports than Jerry.

When Security State Bank decided to compile a booklet for its 80th anniversary, Hib Hanson had an idea for a cover design. He wanted two photos of the bank superimposed over a “ghost” sketch of the huge door to the vault as a background. I went with Jerry when he looked over the door with its various hinges and wheel. Jerry took his clipboard and penciled a light sketch of the details. In a matter of a few minutes the illustration appeared like magic.

He and his son Chip, who has run the business since his folks moved to Missoula for health reasons, learned the business well from his dad. I was pleased with Jerry’s and Chip’s service in printing Flathead Lake Steamboat Days, Buffalo Savers, Montana Nessie of Flathead Lake, Schnitzmeyer – Pioneer Photographer booklets, and Among Other Things book.

One of Jerry’s ideas for a Polson landmark, I wish could come true — construction of a lighthouse on Salish Point. What a tribute that would be to the memory and spirit of Jerry Kurzenbaum.