Jerry LeRoy Sovereign

On May 15, 2004, four days after his 62nd birthday, Jerry LeRoy Sovereign lost his battle with cancer. For two months and five days, he fought as fiercely as any person could have. He never complained, and he never gave up. When the angels came to take him to heaven, he was at home, where he wanted to be, with his family holding his hands.

Jerry was a man who touched the lives of many people. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle,...a friend.

He and his wife, Vera, were married for over 32 years, and still, he recently said he regretted not meeting her earlier. They had a good life together - raising children, working on the property that was Jerry’s dream, and driving down the road in his truck. Throughout their many years together, they cared for and supported each other, and their love continued to grow.

Jerry taught his children to be responsible, hard working, and caring. We learned to shoot and hunt and fish. We went camping and on trips to Disneyland, which he enjoyed as much as the kids did. He taught us to respect ourselves and others, and to love our family. He was always there for us, and it is because of the things we learned from him that we are able to carry on now.

Jerry had friends all over the country. He was a truck driver for over 30 years and met many people during his travels. He was fair and honest in his business dealings, and most people would say he was one of the nicest guys they had ever met.

Jerry loved the simple things - the ocean, driving his truck, the branches on the trees outside his bedroom window, hunting, babies, old-fashioned fudge, and his friends and family. He had a great sense of humor, he loved a good joke, and he made someone laugh every single day.

He leaves behind a large family: wife, Vera; children, Melanie, Candy, Teresa, Tim, Tonya, Jack, Shane, Torrie, Robert, Jerry Jr., Jeri, and Tyler; brothers and sisters, Guy Jr., Gene, Mike, Wayne, Mary Lou and David; special cousin, Donnie; and friends and family too numerous to mention, but including Harold and JoAnn, 16 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Fran, and mother-in-law, Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Helen; and brothers and sisters, Pat, Richard, Betty and Jack.

He was blessed by the numerous visitors and calls he recently received

Arrangements are under the direction of Paul’s Chapel in Arcata (1070 ‘H’ Street). Please send any correspondence there.

No service is planned at this time.

In Jerry’s memory, hug someone in your family and tell them you love them today.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.