Jerry VanRenselaar, 59, was a son, a brother and a friend.
He was also homeless, found dead Friday in an encampment in Vacaville, his adopted home of more than 20 years.
Jerry — said his brother, Floyd VanRenselaar — was a complex soul who knew his own mind and followed his own path.
“He chose to be where he was,” Floyd said. “He just wanted to be alone.”
The family hails from Southern California, where both had also been homeless.
Jerry later came to Vacaville, where his mom and sister lived, and Floyd followed after a few years. Their mother has since died.
Life was tough, and Floyd eventually found his way off the streets. He extended a hand to Jerry, who did not take it. Jerry, he said, preferred the solitude and freedom of the outdoors.
“He was briefly married. She died,” said Floyd of Jerry’s wife, whom he had not met.
He described Jerry as having a sixth-eighth-grade education and being insecure about his dyslexia.
“He always considered himself dumb,” Floyd said.
Thus, the need to be alone.
And yet, Jerry found a community, one that Floyd had never known about.
“He had this big old family. That’s amazing to me,” Floyd mused. “I’m totally shocked and surprised at how many people he knew.”
On Friday, Floyd received the tragic call from a man who lived in his brother’s encampment. He was devastated, and quickly made it to the field about a quarter-mile from Butcher Road, where Jerry had last made his home. He confirmed the death of his little brother, and then police were called.
And reality set in.
The boys, closest in age among five siblings, did much together. And, they got in trouble together, as siblings do.
“Jerry could be a fun guy,” he remembered. “He told a lot of stories. He could tell some good ones. But he was my brother,” Floyd added, so he knew when it was a bit exaggerated.
“I don’t have my sidekick anymore,” he shared. “Or the opportunity to hug him again.”
No services are planned at this time, though a community get-together is in the works.
A Facebook post shared an outpouring for the man the community seems to have cherished. For those wondering, his brother said, Jerry’s dog is well and a home is being found for it.
More details on a get-together for Jerry will be published when they become available.