Jerald Hoyt Boatright

"We will lovingly recall his kindness and generosity, and that ever present helping hand. It was so easy to love him, so easy to be with him, and so easy to say 'I love you'." Jerald Boatright went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 22, 2011. Jerald was born in Vancouver, WA to Hoyt Mitchell and Dorothy Alberta (Knight) Boatright along with older sister Judith and younger brothers Jack and James. He grew up playing the role of the mischievous older brother and spent his high school years learning to drive while working at a mint farm. At the age of nineteen, Jerry joined the army. Initially scheduled to deploy with his unit to Vietnam, Jerry was in an auto accident and broke his back. After recovery, he was not deployed but issued new orders. While visiting home for one week before reporting to Fort Hood Army Base near Killeen, TX, Jerry met his future wife Gwendolyn Darlene Jantzen. They were married three weeks later by the Justice of the Peace in Copperas Cove, TX on September 6th, 1967. Jerry served in Germany for sixteen months until his return to the States and was honorably discharged as a Specialist after three years of enlistment. Jerry and Gwen returned to his hometown and soon gave birth to their first daughter, Robin Lynn, on July 23, 1969. Jerry spent the next year planning for his family's future while looking for work, remodeling the house and finishing school. Robin spent so much time standing in her play pen watching her dad work with his hands – a constant in his life – that she quickly learned to walk before she crawled. Jerry started work for the Post Office in 1970 and remained there through 1974 while finishing his business degree. During this time they had their second child, Carlene Michelle, on September 15th, 1972. Soon after, Jerry contracted with MetLife in exchange for training and a steady salary. This was the beginning of Jerry's successful career as an insurance agent. Their first son, Daniel Joel, was born on July 11, 1977 and second, Samuel Hoyt, on August 14th, 1979. Jerry started his own independent agency in 1981 after learning the property and casualty side of the business. He developed the business with Gwen at his side in work and in life. After merging his agency with A.L. Insurance in 1996, he worked to build it into the successful three offices and twenty-four employees of today. Jerry treated everyone as a friend, offering as much council and advice as he did insurance products and solutions. He was a generous man whose compassion and understanding were evidenced by his frequent giving of himself and his resources. Jerry had a wonderful way of touching the lives of all those that had the pleasure of meeting him. Always industrious, Jerry undertook construction in 1984 of their dream home and current residence. You can't go anywhere on their one acre without seeing his personal touch. He never stopped working and dreaming about the next project, teaching his children and grandchildren his skill and work ethic – instilling in them the confidence that they can do anything they put their mind to. Seeking a healthier environment and a better education for their children, Jerry and Gwen began homeschooling in 1982. Jerry contributed to pioneering the then controversial homeschool movement. Jerry's faith in Christ was demonstrated in his heart for people and service. This was exemplified in his volunteer work and charitable contributions. He spent his time giving to those that had need of his many skills: working in Biloxi, MS to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, working with local outreach doing maintenance and landscaping, giving donations and time to Dare to Live / Common Ground Ministries for suicidal teens. Jerry always gave of himself where he perceived a need. Jerry is survived by his wife, Gwen; Sister, Judy; Brothers, Jack and Jim; children and their families, Robin and Andy Beck, Carlene and Paul McKinley, Dan and Leah Boatright, Sam and Sunny Boatright, and ten grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684-4950, (360) 892-6060. The service will be at 3:00 PM, Thursday, July 28th. A short reception will follow. Opportunity for viewing will be available Wed, July 27th, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. If you wish to honor Jerry or bless his family with a gift, donations may be given to Dare to Live / Common Ground Ministries, Attn: Mike Miller, 1400 NE 136th Ave Ste 201, Vancouver, WA 98684, (360) 882-4799, http://www.cgxweb.com/.