Jerold "Jerry" Alvin Walden's Obituary
Jerold “Jerry” Alvin Walden of Scappoose, Oregon, peacefully passed away, October 16th2023 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Jerry was born December 1st,1941 to Harriet and James Walden in Grants Pass Oregon. At 8 years old he started attending Redwood grade school after moving in with his Uncle “Bud” and Aunt Merle. Little did he know, his future wife was also there. At 12years old, at the Saturday matinee he spotted her and knew that’s the girl I’m going to marry.
Jerry and Diane became inseparable, a true love story and married on September 12th,1959 right after enlisting in the Navy at 17. They welcomed their first baby that next year, Lenny Ray and three more quickly followed. Lisa Ann, Michael Ray, and Scott Edwin.
Settling down in Medford after completing his service in the Navy, Jerry worked at the local mill. After Closing in 1969, the family moved north to Portland. Jerry worked many jobs until becoming a fulltime driver for McCall Oil. In 1975, they welcomed their last (surprise) baby, Jennifer Jadene. Jerry continued to transport fuel/hazmat for Bluelines and Cascade petroleum before retiring in 2007.
Jerry enjoyed life. Even on days he was in so much pain, you wouldn’t know it. He always said, “I’ve never had a bad day”. His attitude, faith, spirit was unshakeable. He was an amazing cook, made the best bread, LOVED family time, especially singing you happy birthday on your special day. He was most content outdoors. Gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, really anything, long as he had Diane by his side. He was the most devoted husband. Their love for one another was beautiful, and a true gift to witness. The most selfless, loving, protective, father we were so blessed to have.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, his wife Diane and four children. Lenny (Cathy) Walden, Lisa (Stan) Rider, Scott (Raquel) Walden, Jennifer (Jim) Robinson. 9 Grandchildren Justin (Jen), Kayla (Andrew), Jared, Jeremy, Savannah (Josh), Zach (Jaclyn), JC, Taylor (Jenny) and Hannah. 9 great grandkids, Natalie, Brooklynn, Wyatt, Owen, Amari, Torben, Saren, Hudson, and Emerson. He is also survived by his siter Jeanette, and many cousins, nieces, and nephew. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Harriet and James, brothers Jim and Ted. Son Mike, and three grandchildren, Chelsea, Cory, and Tristan.
Celebration of life for this truly amazing man is Saturday, December 9th at Warren Community fellowship, Warren Oregon 1-4 pm. To know him was to love him, come share your stories. There will be a memorial book for you to write a special memory and even add a photo if you wish.
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