Magical Hands

Born in 1932 as one of six children, Gerald West was raised in Michigan. After graduating from high school in 1950, Gerald worked briefly for General Motors doing machine repair work. This started a lifetime career of working on mechanical equipment. Beginning flight training in 1951, Gerald joined the Air Force in 1952 with basic training in New York. He then had aircraft/engine schooling for six months in Texas, before heading to McCord Air Force Base in 1952. Gerald got his private pilot's license in 1953 and was transferred to Portland. Gerald finished his career with the Air Force as a Flight Engineer. Once he left the Air Force, he went back to work at General Motors where he oiled machines and did machine repair. While in Portland, Gerald met his first wife in 1955. They were married for 26 years and had five children together. Going through a difficult divorce, Gerald lived with Ethel Smith and her husband, George Rawley in Corbett for two years. This is a time in his life he feels deep gratitude for those that were such a strong support for him. After living with his friends, Gerald moved back into an unfinished home he owned in Corbett. Gerald had worked for the Oregon State Parks from 1984-1994 as a mechanic. In 1995 he met Lillian, his current wife through a man he had worked with at the State Parks. Together, he and Lillian would finish the Corbett home on the 40 acres that Gerald had. Lillian loved flowers, so there were flower beds planted everywhere! Both Gerald and Lillian love to work outside and be involved with the Corbett community. Both are members of the Columbia Gorge Rock Hounds, they each volunteer weekly at the Corbett Grange, attend a local church and love to help friends and neighbors with their mechanical equipment needs. Often they get together with friends to play Penuckle and Rummy games. Gerald says he is at peace and loves each new day and all it brings!