Gerald Paul Prouty

Long-time Bismarck resident, Gerald Paul Prouty, 68, died Sept. 1, 2015, at the home of his sister in Newport Coast, Calif. After surviving a massive heart attack in California on Dec. 24, 2014, Jerry slowly began to recover. With a positive attitude and cheery disposition, he worked hard to regain his strength. After eight months of dialysis and physical therapy, his weakened heart failed. All those who cared for him were impressed by his courageous fight.Jerry was born in Bismarck on June 14, 1947, to Theo and Virgil Prouty. Jerry had one sibling, his sister, JoAnn. Growing up, Jerry enjoyed stamp collecting, band, church youth group and choir activities, as well as lifeguarding at Hillside Pool. Jerry graduated from Bismarck High School in 1965 and Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969.Upon graduation from college, Jerry went to Mayasia to teach in a Chinese school, under the auspices of the Lutheran Church, where he lived for two and a half years. During his tenure in Maylasia, he traveled to many neighboring countries and around the world on his way home. This experience fueled his lifelong love of travel and adventure. Always independent, Jerry was comfortable going off the beaten track to explore and experience new and diverse cultures. Camera in hand, he would come home with wonderful stories and beautiful photographs. Energized by each trip he took, Jerry would look forward to a new adventure each summer.Jerry was an accomplished artist and well-known in local art circles. He was a master of color, and his portrait drawings were exceptional. His love of history and respect for the local Native American culture inspired him to paint a beautiful portrait of Hattie, the last living full-blood Mandan Native American.After teaching art and history at Wachter Junior High for nine years, in 1981, Jerry started working for the Satrum Travel Agency as a tour guide, and then started his own travel company, Prouty Travel and Tours in 1986. He was an exceptional tour guide throughout the U.S. In 2002, he returned to teaching art and history at South Central High School in Bismarck, where he thoroughly enjoyed his students and colleagues. Due to his illness, Jerry took an early retirement as he was not able to return to Bismarck to finish his final year as an educator.Jerry is survived by his loving sister, JoAnn, who cared for him during the eight months he was convalescing in California; his nephew, Kevin; Kevin's daughter, Aynsley; and a large extended family who loved him very much.Jerry's last trip, which took place the summer of 2014, was to Norway, where he visited his Norwegian relatives. He loved Norway and his Norwegian cousins, and was warmly received on each visit. Jerry had many friends with whom he maintained close contact over the years. He greatly appreciated the love and support he received from them as he convalesced in California. All those who knew Jerry will always remember his sense of humor, robust laugh and zest for life.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at First Lutheran Church, 800 N. Seventh St., Bismarck. There will be a reception at the church following the service.Memorials may be sent to South Central High School, 406 S. Anderson St., Bismarck, N.D. 58504 with a memo Jerry Prouty Memorial Kiln fund.