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In Memoriam

Gerry Michael Rozan - Class Of 1953 VIEW PROFILE

Gerry Michael Rozan

Gerry Michael Rozan, son of Dr. Josef S. (1904-1965) and Dorothy N. (Camin) (1911-1978) Rozan, was born 24 December 1934, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.  He graduated in 1953 from Okemos High School.

Gerry was very involved in Boy Scouts while growing up.  It was while on a 1952 Scout outing that Gerry's quick thinking and scout training saved a life.  Gerry later was awarded a "citation for meritorious action" by the national council of Boy Scouts of America.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 27 June 1950

BOY SCOUT SAVES LIFE OF LEADER

The quick thinking of a Lansing doctor's son was credited Tuesday with saving the life of the youth's Scoutmaster after the Scout leader suffered a broken neck in a swimming accident.

Apparently recover, but in only "fair" condition at Edward W. Sparrow hospital was Robert Smeltzer, 36, a science teacher at Okemos high school and master of the Scout troop.

Smeltzer, in charge of a troop of Scouts enjoying an outing Monday at a gravel pit at Okemos rd. near Cavanaugh rd., dived into what he thought was 12 feet of water, but struck his head either on a stone or the pit bottom.

The blow paralyzed Smeltzer and he floated to the surface of the pond, his lungs full of water.

DIVE INTO WATER

Garry {incorrect spelling} Rozan, 15-yar-old son of Dr. Josef Rozan, Lansing physician, dived into the water and, with the aid of Smeltzer's wife, carefully lifted Smeltzer from the water.  The youth then stood guard over Smeltzer and would not let anyone touch him until Dr. Rozan arrived and assisted in reviving the stricken man.

Dr. W. O. Badgley was assisting Dr. Rozan Tuesday in caring for Smeltzer, who still was paralyzed from the neck down but apparently recovering.

"The quick thinking of Garry in getting the man out of the water and then cautioning others not to move him definitely saved his life," Dr. Badgley said.  "Mrs. Smeltzer said she couldn't have gotten her husband out of the water alone.  And if he had been moved at all, it quite possibly could have proved fatal."

After high school Gerry spent 3 years in the US Marine Corps, 1954-1957.  He later moved to Arizona where he was a successful realtor.  Gerry died 13 October 2000 and was inurned Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona) Sunday 15 October 2000

Gerry Rozan, 65, of Mesa Arizona, died on October 13, 2000.  Graveside services at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2000 at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Hts. Rd., Chandler, Arizona.  Contributions can be made to Jewish War Veterans, 431 E. Carter Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282-6913.



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