Gerald William Chase

(1/26/1920 - 1/15/2011)

Gerald W. Chase, 90, passed away January 15, 2011 at his home in McKinleyville. It was 11 days prior to his 91st birthday. He was born January 26, 1920 in Decatur, Nebraska to his parents, Glen and Florence Chase. He was the eldest of their four sons. The Great Depression caused his family to move west. Gerald moved with his family to Clatskanie, Oregon as a teenager, where he graduated high school. He met the love of his life, Eva Meierotto, and they married in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years in the Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Master 1st Sergeant. He returned to Clatskanie where he farmed and raised peppermint. He was a member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2381. Gerald and Eva started their family while living in Oregon. Their daughter, Gayle, and son, Ron, were born in Clatskanie. Four years after the family's move to McKinleyville in 1952, daughter, Pam, was born. Gerald and Eva had lived in McKinleyville for the past 59 years. Gerald originally moved to Humboldt County to work in the timber industry and drove logging trucks. In 1966 he went to work at Humboldt State University in the Forestry department. When it came to managing his stockroom supplies, he had a tough and gruff exterior to his students; until they got to know him and found he was really just a "big softie". His students kept him young by calling him Jerry, and he served as their Forestry Club Advisor for years. In 1986 he retired after 20 years at HSU. He loved to hunt, fish, boat and camp with friends and family. As their children grew up and married, grandchildren were added to the group. Many fun times were spent at Big Lagoon, Junction City, Leggett, Trinity Lake, and Lewiston Lake. After their retirements, Gerald and Eva were snow birds to Arizona and Mexico during winters for many years. They enjoyed their motor home trips to see family across the country. They spent summers at Redwood Creek. Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Eva; daughter, Pam Forbes of McKinleyville/ Weaverville; daughter Gayle Rickards Ward and husband Doyle of Roseburg, Oregon; and son Ron Chase and wife Laura of McKinleyville. He was loved dearly by his one and only granddaughter, Tiffany Forbes and six grandsons: Jeremy Forbes; Greg and Gordon Rickards; Jeff, Frank and Scott Chase. He had six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Roger, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. This "Gentle Giant" has joined his parents, brothers Myron and Neale, and sons-in-law K.C. and Gary in a better place. In place of flowers, the family asks that contributions may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, P O Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250-0301 or U.S.O., PO Box 96322, Washington DC 20090-6322. There will be a celebration-of-life gathering held for Gerald at Timber Ridge, 1400 Nursery Lane, McKinleyville. It will take place in the Activities Room on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 1:00. Please come join the family to share your memories of Gerald. Care is under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on January 19, 2011