As a human being born in the early 1970’s, I was a big fan of Buck Rogers when I was a kid. Whenever Gil Gerard would show up on my TV screen, Dad would usually remind us that he knew him from his days at the University of Central Arkansas. My dad was already my hero, but he also knew BUCK ROGERS?! Badass!!

Gerard was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1943, graduated high school from Little Rock Catholic, and eventually attended UCA at the same time as my dad. Growing up, I would always tell everyone I knew that dad and Buck Rogers went to school together. Today, as a point of pride and reverence to a childhood hero, I’m telling that to all of you.

Rest in peace, Mr. Gerard.