Jerry G. West

Jerry G. West, 86, passed away May 15, 2015 in Olympia, Washington. He was born September 3, 1928 to Clifford and Minnie (Stuber) West in Aberdeen, Washington. A 60-year resident of Central Park, Washington, he lived the last 25 years (1990-2015) at Lost Lake in the house he built himself. Jerry attended high school in Aberdeen from 1944 to January 15, 1946, when he left school to join the U.S. Navy; he had enough credits, however, to get his diploma. Jerry served in the Navy until November 4, 1947 as a Fireman First Class aboard the USS Prinz Eugen, USS Osbourn, and USS Theodore E. Chandler in the South Pacific, China and Japan. He participated in Operation Crossroads with Joint Task Force One Atomic Bomb test. After his military service, he married Valgene Rene Krueger on June 9, 1949 in Aberdeen. Professionally, Jerry started work at ITT Rayonier on January 1, 1948 and became an electrician and motor repairman. He retired in 1989, after 41 years. He also roofed houses for Sears and was a mechanic for Duane Dewees Auto in Aberdeen. Jerry was a Jack-of-All-Trades and master of most. He was not one to sit idle. He was always working on something of his or something belonging to family or friends. He loved to build houses and help others remodel their homes. A member of Aberdeen Elks 593, he was always helping them out and was appointed to oversee their building remodel. He was named Elk of the Year 2001-2002. Jerry enjoyed boxing. As a teenager, he trained in the Aberdeen gym of professional boxer and middle weight world champion, Freddie Steele, and while in the Navy, he fought with the USN “Smokers.” Jerry also loved camping, fishing and family vacations. Later he took dancing lessons with Val and would dance on the weekends. Jerry is survived by his sons, Gordon West and Mark (Julie) West; sister, Thelma Emerick; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Valgene West; son, Mike West; daughter-in-law, Vicki West; and brother, Dick West. Memorial donations may be made to the Elks National Foundation at https://enf.elks.org/tribute. Please leave memories of Jerry or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.