November 5th, 2018, dad put his Marine Corps hat on and marched up to heaven. Our dad passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning – sounds just like him, he wouldn’t have wanted to make a fuss during the busy hours of the day. Charles Peter Gervais was born November 25th, 1929 and lived his entire life here in the Yakima Valley. He was a Johnny-Come-Lately to his parents Gerald and Mary Gervais and was adored (and spoiled rotten!) by his celibate aunts.
Dad was an athlete at heart, playing football, baseball, basketball and hockey at Marquette High School which he graduated from in 1947. Dad had a chance to play professional football but chose to serve his country instead. He went straight into the Marine Corps at the young age of 17. (Just a kid in today’s standards!) Keeping up with his love for football, he played first string halfback for the Navy in San Diego and Terminal Island. Did I mention he also boxed? This skill landed him overnight in the brig sticking up for a friend… sounds like him.
Dad’s other passion was cars. Dad went through cars like Paris Hilton went through purses. It was not unusual to see a ‘strange new car’ in the driveway two or three times a year. He knew every make and model, which ones were lemons and which were keepers (which he never kept!) He didn’t sell cars for a living but did the next best thing – sold car insurance. Gervais Insurance Agency was a familiar sight at the foot of Summitview Avenue for over 35 years.
Dad was an avid skier and a familiar face at White Pass Ski Resort. He and Lois skied all over the Pacific Northwest and wherever else they had a Time Share. Dad amazed us all by at the age of 75 skiing down the Tasmanian Glacier (no chairlift – had to exit out a helicopter!) Dad skied up until 2013, that’s about when his health started to decline.
Dad was one of these lucky guys to have met the love of his life in his 40’s (better late then never!) He married Lois in 1975 and gained two more daughters (to add to his five) and the two sons he never had. Dad and Lois were world travelers and went on every cruise to every port. Every crook and cranny of their house was filled with their bazaar and bizarre treasures. (Kangaroo head? Really?! Spitting Hobo?)
It wasn’t easy living with five girls but Dad was always there to hand out advice and be the voice of reason. (Try reasoning with five high strung females!) He never took sides or berated us, even when we deserved it. He loved and treated all of his extended family like they were his own. So, on behalf of us Gervais girls – Debbie, Deon, Dana (Talakai), Doreen (Eaton), and Darlene (Isaac); our Barrett siblings – Karen (Gamache), Vickie (Hopkins), Dave, and Mark; spouses – Pete Talakai, Gary Eaton, Larry Gamache, Cheryl Barrett, and Susan Barrett; nieces and nephew – Susan Nagler, Denny Nagler, and Maryjane Gilpin; grandkids – Nanise, Isi, De’Ette, Tali, Charlie, Pili, and Ginny May; step grandchildren – Dana, Craig, Jeff, Robert, Michelle, Jonathan, Katie, Kyle, Kristie, Sarah, Hannah, Laura, Ben, and Katie; great grandkids – Va’sii, Nanasi, Povai, Kavili, and Julian; 33 step great grandkids & a great-great step granddaughter. This is your legacy, you couldn’t have been loved any more. If I left anyone out, I am truly sorry, but dad knows who you are. We love you.
Semper Fi Dad, you will be missed.
Viewing will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home Friday November 9th, 4-8 pm for the public visitation, Saturday 9 am - 12 pm for private family viewing. Funeral Mass Saturday Nov. 10th 1 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 212 N. 4th St., Yakima, WA 98901, followed by reception at Women’s Century Club, two blocks away at 304 N. 2nd St., Yakima. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
The family would like to thank all who have cared for Chuck these past months: Brookdale Asst. Living of Yakima, Landmark Care & Rehab, Memorial Hospice (especially Karen Edgel), Dr. Lascar & Keith & Keith Funeral Home for your kindness.
