Great-grandfather, long-time CMC professor, coach, traveler

Long-time Claremont resident, Gerald (Jerry) Irwin Eyrich, died peacefully on the morning of September 20th at the age of 95.

Jerry was born in Spokane, Washington on May 7, 1930 to Henry and Victoria Eyrich, joining his older brother, Ric. “He was a proud graduate of Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane and continued his education at Washington State University (go Cougs!),” his family shared. He went on to earn master’s degrees in both engineering and economics and a Ph.D. in economics from UCLA and Claremont Graduate University.

After serving in the Air Force as a first lieutenant working on classified projects in New Mexico, he pursued a career in the aerospace industry and eventually transitioned to a long and storied teaching career as a professor of economics at Claremont McKenna College. In addition, he provided marketing consulting to a variety of technology companies, expert witnessing services, and founded and ran a successful systems integration company, Lodestar Systems, Inc.

He married the love of his life, Jerri (Metcalf) Eyrich, on June 6, 1959 and had three children: Greg in 1961, Jeff in 1963, and Kathi in 1965. The couple was eventually blessed with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The Eyrichs loved to travel, especially during the summer. Beginning first in a tent and later traveling via RV (the Lazy Daze), they crossed the western U.S. with their three kids and their black lab in tow. They frequented the Bishop Creek area, a family favorite for generations. “Jerry was relied on as the chief fish cleaner/hook tyer and finder of the best (and hardest to reach) fishing spots,” his family said. “He was also known for his fondness of a good bloody mary to start the morning and a nice glass of scotch around the campfire to end the night.”

As their grandchildren grew, he and Jerri traveled the world with them, sparking their love of adventure and nurturing a passion for exploring other cultures. Their travels ranged from Alaska to Europe to Africa, often including passage by ferry or seaplane. “No journey was too challenging nor any destination too far,” his family added.

He will be remembered by a generation of Claremont youth as “coach Eyrich.” He was actively involved in the development of the AYSO soccer league in its early years, coaching numerous teams. He was also instrumental in the development of club soccer through his leadership of the Claremont Knights and Kings in the Pacific Soccer League. “He may have been known to fling his trusty clipboard onto the field of play when particularly incensed at a perceived poor call by the officials, but he was always willing to step in to take on the role of coach when needed,” his family said.

“As a professor at Claremont McKenna College, Jerry was known both for the difficulty of his classes as well as his dedication and willingness to mentor and encourage aspiring students,” his family said. During his teaching career of over 30 years, he was honored with the Glenn R. Huntoon Award for Superior Teaching and the John Faranda Student Service Award. His legacy is honored permanently in the Eyrich Athletic Department Lobby, supported by many grateful alumni, and stands as a testament to his love of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps athletics.

“For years, he was the beloved coach of the Claremont Men’s Lacrosse Club, leading them to many victories and inspiring generations of student-athletes,” his family said. “As a superfan of all CMS athletics, he logged many miles traveling with the football, basketball, and rugby teams. These trips no doubt hold many stories that may never see the light of day.”

In addition to CMS athletics, he was an all-around sports fan, particularly fond of following his WSU Cougars football and basketball teams. He and his wife frequently traveled both to Pullman, Washington and around the country for bowl and tournament games. He was also a long-time Los Angeles Kings season ticket holder and reveled in their Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jerri, in 2020.

He is survived by his sons, Greg and Jeff, and Jeff’s partner, Lizzie Tagg; daughter, Kathi Jackson, and her husband, Dale Jackson; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Eyrich. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lauren (Eyrich) Nelson and her husband, Dannyel Nelson; Mackenzie (Jackson) Acker and her husband, Jonathan Acker; Siena Eyrich, Lindsey Jackson, Carter Eyrich, and Sydney Jackson; as well as his great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Owen Acker, and Kairi Nelson.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, November 21, at Claremont McKenna College’s Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, 385 E. Eighth St., Claremont, CA 91711. The Eyrich family requests that guests wear colorful attire (please, no black). RSVPs are requested and may be made at events.cmc.edu/e/celebrating-jerry-eyrich.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to the cause of your choice.

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”  – John Wooden