Tarrien, Jerome – “Jerry”

WXYZ: TV news videographer.  Jerry died at his home after an illness on Tuesday, September 23, 2014.

Press Release from WXYZ.com, “(WXYZ) – It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Jerry Tarrien. Jerry lost his courageous battle with cancer Tuesday morning. Our entire Channel 7 family is terribly saddened by this news, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family.

Jerry was an outstanding videographer and touched countless lives with his humor and kindness in his 35 years working here at the station.

He was instrumental to our team when it came to some of the biggest events including; Detroit’s Auto Show, Woodward Dream Cruise, NCAA basketball tournaments, the Mackinac Policy Conference and so much more.

Jerry was an absolute joy to work with. We will all miss him very much.” [1]

Just for fun, here’s a PR Newswire from 2006:

AURORA, Ill., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Jerry Tarrien, a cameraman for WXYZ– TV 7 in Detroit, Mich., outmaneuvered representatives from more than 100 news  media organizations Thursday (February 9) in a simulated NASCAR race sponsored by AAA during the 2006 Chicago Auto Show.

Tarrien posted a 207.225 mph average speed in the racecar simulator, which  is powered by a computer program representative of the tracks on which the  NASCAR Nextel Cup Series is run.  AAA will sponsor the #6 AAA Ford Fusion,  driven by Mark Martin, in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup series this year.

Winner of second place in the charity event was Ira Siegel, automotive columnist for the Daily Southtown in Alsip, Ill.  He navigated the course with an average speed of 205.489 mph.  Coming in third was Charlie Dowell,  production director for WMKB Radio of Mendota, Ill.

In addition to presenting certificates to the race participants, AAA provided cash donations to the favorite charities of each of the winners. Tarrien, who earned $2,500 for his virtual victory, will contribute his prize money to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.  Siegel selected Moraine Valley  Community College to receive his second-place winner’s purse of $1,500 and Dowell chose the Elburn Lions Club as the recipient of his $1,000 purse.

“Sponsorship of a car and driver on the hugely popular NASCAR racing circuit will help raise AAA’s profile with the many fans of this major spectator sport,” said Charles H. Podowski, president and CEO of The Auto Club Group (ACG), which represents AAA Michigan and other AAA-affiliated Clubs throughout the Midwest.  “The sponsorship ties very nicely into AAA’s century-long commitment to supporting continued improvement in vehicle safety.”

“Many of the safety features we take for granted on today’s passenger vehicles, such as lap-and-shoulder safety belts and hydraulic brakes, were introduced and perfected in racecars,” Podowski added.  “NASCAR races will continue to be the proving ground for new safety equipment, and the AAA clubs that comprise The Auto Club Group are pleased and proud to help support that progress.”

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.  Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security for all travelers.

SOURCE  AAA Chicago

References:

1. Obituary (PDF)- Desmond Funeral Home
2. WXYZ Mourns Loss – September 23, 2014 (PDF)
3. CaringBridge

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  “Mary Conway, Jerry Tarrien and I got to meet First Lady Barbara Bush in September, 1992. What a kind & gracious person. This photo showed up unexpectedly a short time after we met her at Schoolcraft College (I believe- could have been OCC). May she Rest In Peace.” – Dave Meinhard

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