Gerry Coker, R.I.P.

[Editor_Reid]

I'm very sad to report that Gerry Coker, formerly of the Donald Healey Motor Company and designer of the 100 and the initial design of the Sprite, passed away this morning at the age of 99. He was the last of the major figures of the Donald Healey Motor Company. He was a gentleman and I'm thankful to have known him.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Very sorry to hear that, but his work lives on. Maybe too soon, or too cavalier, but it would have been awesome if he'd made it to 100!

 

[tahoe healey]

Very sad. He was a genuinely nice guy.

 

[Keoke]

It always is sad to hear that figures we have known pass away.

 

[Guido36]

If it were not for Gerry Coker none of us would be on this or other Healey forums and we would not have developed the camaraderie and made the friends we have because of his vision, talent and creations. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and his legacy lives on in our shared passion and enthusiasm for his iconic design. His physical presence may have left this earth but your spirit lives on and will do so for many years.

 

[HealeyRick]

A wonderful interview with Gerry by Steven Kingsbury.

 

[HealeyRick]

[FONT=&quot]Some thoughts on Gerry Coker. I don't know anything about design except "If it looks right it is right." Here's a man whose work with a pen brought joy to many. Consider the side view of a Healey. It's so simple and recognizable that when our AHCNE designer-in-residence Nick Zarkedes drew up our event posters, regalia, etc. all he needed to do is use this line drawing. It instantly says "Healey".

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And Gerry's original design for the Sprite was a poor man's Ferrari with obvious leanings to the Testa Rossa.

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How many of us have sat in our garage and stared at the lines of our Healey and smiled. That's a gift Gerry gave to us all.[/FONT]

 

[Randy Forbes]

It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to meet him. I'm certain that many of us were looking forward to helping him celebrate his 100th Birthday next summer.

Rest in peace Gerry, and thank you for everything.

Gerry in BN6L/942, Safety Harbour, Florida 2016 (winner of the 1st Place 100/6 Class trophy that Gerry designed that year!)

Celebrating Gerry's 98th Birthday on July 14th, 2019 (DOB June 24, 1922) at Walt Mainberger's house in Sarasota.

 

[glemon]

Very said to hear, as mentioned the last of the Healey group that designed and built the original 100 and Sprite, truly iconic designs, and examples of the first of the line being the best. RIP Mr. Coker.