Jerry Gibbs Allen

Jerry Gibbs Allen passed away on February 22, 2015 in Happy Valley, Oregon. Jerry was born on November 18, 1932 in Independence, Missouri, to his parents; Gene and Evelyn (Gibbs) Allen. Family trips to Colorado inspired his love of the mountains. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout led him to a career in forestry.

After four years at the University of Missouri, the Army sent him to Japan where he bought his first Nikon and developed an interest in photography. Back home, Jerry graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1957 with a degree in Forestry. On June 16, 1957, Jerry married Ruby Coshow and began his career in the U.S Forest Service on the Helena National Forest in Montana.

Early in his career, Jerry joined Toastmasters and won a State Toastmaster competition. As a Kiwanian, Jerry was a Scout leader, and a volunteer at Camp Kiwanis near Mt. Hood. He delivered Meals on Wheels, rang Christmas bells for the Salvation Army, was a tour guide for Nature Conservancy at Cascade Head, and an avid member of Pleasant Valley Golf Course.

Jerry was a man of many talents and hobbies. Jerry was passionate about biking; he took part in Cycle Oregon, Ride the Divide in Colorado, and a 12 hour ride from Seattle to Portland. Jerry also enjoyed woodworking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, and testing his survival skills. During a particularly memorable trip to Glacier National Park, a photographer took a picture of Jerry and his family camping in a bright pink tent which was later featured in Time Magazine.

Jerry was an intelligent, driven, loving man who will be remembered for being an interactive father with a love of friendly competition; he could turn any task into a fun game.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Ruby; daughters, Debbie (Brad) Taie, and Sharon (Jay) Burk, and son, Brad; grandchildren, Zachary Taie, Greta Taie, Nathaniel Taie, and Alana Burk; brother, Jack Allen; and cousin Lynn Carlisle. A service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham. He will be missed.