Obituary of Gerald ''Jerry'' Donald Payne

Gerald ''Jerry'' Donald Payne After an extended illness, Gerald Payne passed away on July 26, 2006. Jerry, as he was fondly called by close friends, neighbors and colleagues, was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Charlotte. Jerry's loved ones find comfort and peace in knowing they are once again united, and resting peacefully together on a scenic hillside in the Columbia River Gorge. Gerald, the oldest of 11 children Andrew, Stephen, Leo, Larry, Eleanor, Dorothy, was born in Inlet, New York, on January 14, 1922 to Frank and Rilla Payne. Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, his brothers Orvis and Kenneth, and sisters Esther, Gladys and Faith, and a grandson, Aaron. Gerald enlisted in the Army during WWII, and was trained as a paratrooper and office equipment repair technician. While in the Army, he met the love of his life at a USO dance where each lady placed a shoe in a pile, each to be randomly selected by a gentleman for a dance. Gerald was not leaving this to chance, however, as he had already noticed this very special lady and knew which shoe to pick. That moment was the start of their life together and they were married on May 21, 1945. After being discharged from the Army, Gerald attended Oregon State College, and received a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Gerald joined Pacific Northwest Bell, and remained there until his retirement in 1982. Having grown up in the Portland area, he remained in the Pacific Northwest to work and raise his family. Ultimately, the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge attracted Gerald and Charlotte to Skamania, Washington. His love of nature and his active lifestyle drew him to outdoor pastimes, including water and snow skiing, swimming, camping with the family, eradication of poison oak, and especially hiking. Gerald remained active during his retirement years, now having more time to spend visiting family and grandchildren, wind surfing on the Columbia River, and extended solo backpacking trips into the North Cascades in Washington. Gerald and Charlotte's loving family include children Shirley Howard Chang, Don Candy, and Gary Kim; Grandchildren Arthur Natalie Chang, Jessica Michael Shea, Sara Chang, Jenny Brett Nickell, Ben Andria, Matt Randi, Hannah, Jordan, Cypress, and Isabell; great grand children Calvin and Lily Chang, Cameron, Jacob, and Bryant Shea, Ethan and Evan Payne. We miss you Dad, Grandpa, Great grandpa. Until we meet again... A funeral service will be Friday, August 4 at 11:00 AM at Gardner Funeral Chapel in Stevenson. A coffee and cookie reception will follow at the chapel. Interment will be at the Stevenson Cemetery. Straub?s Funeral Home in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Columbia-Willamette Chapter, 1311 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, or your favorite charity.