Educator, linguist, musician, lecturer, churchman, world traveler – these were some of the titles earned by Dr. Gerrit deJong Jr. during his long career as one of Provo’s best-known men of arts and letters. Dr. deJong, whose funeral will be held Friday, probably was best known as organizer and dean for 34 years of the Brigham Young University College of Fine Arts. But this was only a starting point in any listing of his interests, capabilities, and achievements through the years. Dr. deJonlg was a man so scholarly an talented that he could create a symphonic composition or lecture in half a dozen anguages. But he was warm, friendly, down-toearth made friends easily. He could charm audiences as a teacher, musician, conductor, or speaker; yet he was a humble man who sought always to live “the good life.” Although extremely busy with his mani old interests and assignments, he found time to serve three decades on the Sunday School general board for his church, traveling widely in this capacity. He also served in two other general board capacities. His extensive writings included textbooks for German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, and numerous papers on teaching of foreign languages; also 14 books on religious subjects, including Sunday School manuals. His service to mankind was recognized with many honors, including the Utah Academy’s Distinguished Service Award in Arts and Letters, and three top BYU honors – the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Teaching Award, the Special Services Award, and the David 0. McKay Humanities Award. He continued active, particularly in church service, even in his sunset years. At BYU he was an institution by himself – and the school’s biggest concert hall, named for him, will be a continual reminder of his deeds and leadership. In his passing, the Herald extends sympathy to his family.