Jerry (Jerrel)Lee Gastineau
March 12, 1935 - November 23, 2013
SALEM - Jerry (Jerrel) Gastineau was born to Vera and Roscoe Gastineau in Somerset, Indiana, 78 years ago. He grew up in Francisville and Lafayette, Indiana, with his two sisters, Alma and Betty and two brothers, Clarence and Don.
Following high school, Jerry enlisted in the Army and upon discharge attended Ball State University where he received a degree in Business and in teaching which he took with him to Simi Valley, California. There he ended up teaching junior high school.
After meeting his former wife, Cheryl Lester, he moved with his small daughter to the beaches and islands of Hawaii where he again taught school and worked for the fledgling computer industry. Following their stay in Hawaii, Cheryl, Jerry and his now two children, Shireen and Scott, decided to make Oregon their new home and moved to Grants Pass. Here Jerry became a full-fledged Oregonian living in the wilderness for a year. "Living off the land" he called it. The mountains and rivers became his playground for the rest of his life—hiking, camping, skiing, sailing, river guiding, and fishing.
In 1981, Jerry received another milestone in his life by earning his Master's Degree in counseling at what is now Western Oregon University. Shortly after he met his current wife, Corrina, married her at this time and added three more children, Amy, Jody and Clint to their blended family. He continued to live in the Willamette Valley for the next 27 years, counseling at Sacred Heart Academy and Stayton High School and upon retirement, worked with friends at PADTC in Dallas.
He and Corrina took a time-out from Oregon for five years and moved to Kauai, Hawaii, where they had intended to spend the remainder of their years. Circumstances required a return to Oregon some six years ago. Here Jerry spent the remainder of his years with the passion he applied to all his sports. Golf became his prime focus, Tiger his favorite player, the Golf Channel his most watched television program. Teaching, playing, discussing and watching golf was one of his most favorite pastimes.
Jerry requested a "Celebration of Life" party rather than a funeral or memorial to remember him. It will be held on March 12, 2014, his next birthday. Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, he would prefer donations made in his name to Union Gospel Mission or other agencies targeting the homeless or hungry.
Enjoy your next adventure, Jerry. We miss you and your love of people and life in general. You remain with us in our hearts and memories.
Jerry's five granddchildren, Jordan Worley, Tyler and Nathan Wright, Zaine Gastineau, and Hanna St Clair continue to carry on Jerry's legacy of living and playing each day to the fullest. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
His birthday was on the 12th but he always celebrated the whole month long! Memorial celebration will be on Sunday the 9th of March. It will be a potluck like he liked. More information to come.
January 14, 2014
Jerry. thank you for your time at Sacred Heart Academy. It was the best school I went to. SHA taught me a lot in 3 years, 1980-1983, and it was great to have known you. God Bless, and enjoy the 18 holes at Gods country club.
Paul T.
December 9, 2013
Jerry, you were an amazing man to have known for so long! you were a very important guy in my life, and you know why! we will always love you and care for you! (:
Everything you have done for my family will be held close to our hearts, and will never be forgotten!
You accomplished so much in your life, and have impacted so many people's life that it will always be treasured! (:
I will miss seeing you in your hat, will always think of you when we go by McGraths
WE LOVE YOU, JERRY
Jackie
December 8, 2013
I was very sad to see this today. Mr . Gastineau was a friend and counselor of mine in high school. He was a wonderful man and he had a very profound influence on me. I have kept our talks and advice close to my heart even to this day. I wish the best to his family and I send along my condolences. Heaven has another angel. Until we meet again one day.... Rest in peace Mr. Gastineau. Kelli
Kelli Amrein
December 8, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry while at Stayton Union High with the Peer Helpers. I remember him fondly. Lorelei Gilmore
Lorelei Gilmore
December 8, 2013
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