Gerald was born in 1932 in Hemlock, Michigan. His parents had four boys and two girls, and he was the third born. Gerald's family lived on a farm where they all worked very hard. There were tough times, but they always were able to eat well. Only occasionally would Gerald "get" to go into town for supplies. They rode horses everywhere and did not even own a car until Gerald was five years old. The family would hitch their horses to a wagon in order to transport needed supplies for the farm. Gerald walked about a mile back and forth to school with his siblings. He was a shy child who loved to play outside and fish any chance he got! Gerald made all of his toys from scraps found around the family farm. He made slingshots, darts, etc. He went hunting for the first time at age 10 with his father, shooting his first rabbit. He loved it! He then began hunting rabbits, pheasants, squirrels, etc. Not considered a good student, Gerald says his "gifts" were woodworking and fixing things. He was known to be able to fix just about anything! Gerald lived on the family farm his entire childhood. After graduating from high school, he went to work for a local farmer for four months before going to work for General Motors. He ran the lathe and did work on transmission parts. In 1952 he enlisted in the US Air Force for four years. He started in New York and then went to Texas. He focused on aircraft and engine mechanics. In 1953 Gerald earned his private pilots license. In 1954 Gerald transferred to Portland through the Air Force and met his first wife, Sallie. They married and had five children. In 1956 they moved to Michigan for 26 years so that Gerald could work for General Motors as a production machine repairman. From Michigan, they moved to Portland with two of their children. The family moved to Larch Mountain and lived in a travel trailer until their home was built. Gerald went to work for Ted Davenport, running his machine shop. In 1982 Gerald and Sallie divorced. Gerald moved to the neighbor's house for two years until the divorce settled, then he moved back to the family home in the winter of 1984. Gerald then went to work for Oregon State Parks as a lawnmower mechanic for 10 years. He loved this job! While there, a friend that worked with him introduced him to his friend Lillian. Gerald and Lillian fell in love and married Nov. 9, 1985. Lillian also had five children (one had died earlier). They both shared a love of family and strong Christian faith. They spruced up the Larch Mountain home and made it their home together. Gerald and Lillian were married nearly 33 years before she passed on Sept. 28, 1918. She was 87 years old. Gerald says Lillian loved to both hug others and dance! Gerald is still living in their home and is a valued volunteer in the Corbett community. He is hoping to fully get back to all of his volunteer duties that he stepped away from to care for Lillian. He is well on his way!
