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Jerry Gaines Obituary
JERRY WILLIAM GAINES
December 20, 1931 ~ October 30, 2015
Jerry William Gaines, 83, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, October 30, 2015. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on December 20, 1931, to Floyd E. Gaines and Jean B. Gaines.
Jerry attended Vancouver High School in Vancouver, Washington. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his best friend Roy Snyder and served four years during the Korean War on the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). His ship made two combat trips into the Korean War zone.
After his duty ended in October 1954, he returned to Vancouver, where he soon met the love of his life Renee E. Pearson. They would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on May 14, 2016. Jerry and Renee were proud parents of two beautiful children: Robert W. Gaines, born in 1955, and Cynthia R. Gaines, born in 1958.
Jerry was a maintenance machinist by trade, spending most of his post-Naval career working for Nabisco in Portland. His hard work and expertise led him to become Nabisco's general foreman before his retirement in April 1991.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Cyndi, granddaughter Diane (James) Shishido, grandson William (Bridget) Lane, and one-year-old great granddaughter Alexa Shishido. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Robert (1970), his sister Betty J. Bledsoe, brother Ronald H. Gaines, and sister Sandra May Murphy.
Jerry will forever be remembered as a strong, caring, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. He is often known as the guy who sat near his living room window, waving to those who passed by.
A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 7, at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver, Washington, 98661. His final resting place will be Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. He will receive military funeral honors in a private ceremony with his immediate family.
Please sign Jerry's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Gaines
Janet Goucher
November 16, 2015
I worked with Jerry at Nabisco and have very fond memories. I know he will be missed. Prayers to his family.
Crystal Sugg
November 7, 2015
Growing up as Dianes best friend, Jerry was like a grampa to me. He was everything that a father, grampa, and rolemodel should be. My heart is with the family. God Bless
Tim Lishan
November 7, 2015
I grew up in the house next door to Jerry and Rene, and later returned to live in the same house.They have known me all of my life. I will miss chatting with Jerry while he worked in his yard and will miss seeing him in the window as I drive by.
Jo Ann (Plum) Grisham
November 6, 2015
It's been a long friendship, many happy & sad memories thru the years. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family.
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November 6, 2015
It's been a long and true friendship, many happy memories when we were all young, have thought of you and Renee often, Rest in Peace, Love JoAnn (Plum) Grisham
November 5, 2015
Bud & Jane Sprague
November 5, 2015
Jerry & Renee have been true friends for many years. He was a good friend and we will miss him a lot.
November 4, 2015
Unknown to either of us, we joined the navy on the same day, went through boot camp together, and were assigned duty on the same ship. I later transferred to another duty station, but while on board the "Bingding" we spent many liberties together, and took the same leave time together. After I returned to the Vancouver area we reconnected and often had lunch together. I will miss him. Jerry Eurich
Michele Lacey
November 3, 2015
He always treated me like family. He will be deeply missed.
Dawn Attleberger
November 3, 2015
Even though I didn't know you long...Proud to say I knew a true Duck/Seahawks Fan (: Rest in Peace
Laurel Glasgow
November 3, 2015
Condolences to all your family. May your happy memories see you through this difficult times.
James Shishido
November 2, 2015
You will be greatly missed. A great man with a big heart. Your shoes will never be filled. I'll take care of the people you loved most.
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