23SEP25 by Susan S. Admin EE40k -
 ‘In Memoriam: Gerard Tretton- 

In 2010, Gerard Tretton created Ecuador Expats. Almost sixteen years later, the group has grown to more than 40,000 members. I am proud to say I was one of the very first people he invited to join. I had known Gerard since at least 2005, when we were both part of a Yahoo group about moving to and living in Ecuador. That Yahoo group was tightly controlled, and eventually the founder kicked us both out, first me and then him. That was in late 2009. Gerard, being Gerard, would not be stopped. He recognized the new technology of Facebook, saw a better way to connect with people, and built it. That is the origin story of Ecuador Expats.

For nearly a decade, Gerard ran this group with persistence, humor, and resilience. When the time came to step back, he brought in David Sasaki as administrator. Soon after, both Elizabeth Drummond and I were invited to join the admin team, continuing the work Gerard had begun. Gerard became our administrator emeritus, watching the community grow on the foundation he had laid.

Gerard was a man who met life’s challenges head on and never let obstacles stop him. He built something lasting that has connected tens of thousands of people who came here seeking to make Ecuador their home. Today we honor his vision, his perseverance, and his friendship. May his memory be a blessing.

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RIP Gerard Tretton - (2014) 'Expatrtiate Stories: Cuenca, Ecuador Gerard Tretton is interviewed by Dr. Craig Zachlod - 5099 views, Feb 12, 2014, "This interview of Gerard Tretton is part of the series Expatriate Stories: Ecuador. We interviewed several expatriates who shared their stories, experience and advice about living as expatriates in Ecuador. Each expatriate story is unique. Our project goal is to acquire sponsorships and extend this education and entertainment project to many other locations in the world. We appeal to you for support and your participation." - https://youtu.be/fIJGkrmfj10?si=VGCYEvS7lzs-3_VH