Gerald “Gerry” Arthur Cunningham, 88, former headmaster of Verde Valley School (October 1974-May 1978), died May 15 at his home in Patagonia. He was born February 17, 1922.

Gerry was preceded in death by his wife Ann Carman Cunningham and is survived by his children, David, Peter and Penny Cunningham, daughter-in-law Jeanne Richardson, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Gerry was appointed VVS Headmaster on October 7, 1974 and resigned after the 1977-78 school year to become the ‘Energy Czar’ of Arizona at the request of former VVS Board Member Bruce Babbitt. 

According to Judge Mason, Gerry did bring peace to the campus by reconciling the relationship between faculty and Headmaster, and we put ourselves to the mission of VVS, preparing kids for the wider world. He brought the school back from the brink of insolvency by cutting administration to two people – himself and one other - and one secretary, becoming business manager and director of maintenance along with School Head, and cutting other costs without diminishing academics, the arts, sports or field trips.

His practical approach to administration involved adults and students in working together to resolve problems.  He was serving VVS for $1 a year as director of maintenance when he was appointed Head, and he used his very successful experience in the business world in his new role.  He founded the Gerry Company, maker of outdoor equipment, and the first proponent of the nylon and down sleeping bag, which Gerry invented.  He also invented the Gerry Kiddie Carrier, in which small children could be carried on their parent’s back.

The 1977 VVS Ambros was dedicated to the Cunninghams. Here is the inscription:

“In the two years since Gerry Cunningham became headmaster of Verde Valley, the school has again become financially viable and has rediscovered its former ideals and sense of community. That it has done so has been due in large part to the tireless work of both Ann & Gerry Cunningham. In appreciation of their devoted efforts the yearbook staff dedicates the 1977 yearbook to them.”

Donations in his memory may be made to the Verde Valley School Scholarship Fund or to the Nature Conservancy.