In loving memory of Raymond Kenneth Gere aka (Jake)
RAYMOND GERE left to be in the loving arms of Jesus on April 7th, 2023 at age 82 in Nampa, ID. Jake spent the first 70 years of his life in Washington State in the Snoqualmie Valley. He was born September 25, 1940 in Cashmere, Washington to Kenneth and Marie Gere.
The family later moved to the Coal Mine road in Snoqualmie. Jake joined the Navy and served from 1957 to 1961. Jake married Merrily Weller (Gere) October 28, 1960 and they were married 58 years.
Jake is survived by 5 children: Darin (Holly), Fritz (Julie), Corky (Diana), Kindal McGregor, Karen (Dan Davis), and daughter in-law Colene Gere. Sister Sue Piercy, brothers Edwin Gere, and Chaz Gere. Brother in-laws Bill Weller (Bev) and Jon Weller (Sidney). He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Jake was preceded in death by his beloved wife Merrily, his oldest son Braden; his oldest granddaughter, Hannah; and son-in-law, Daulton McGregor.
Jake was a business owner and worked at the family grocery store in North Bend from 1965 to 1990. He retired and became a local Pastor at the New Life Christian Church in Snoqualmie that he and his wife helped plant. Jake had the privilege of officiating over 36 weddings. He was a mentor to many young men and young married couples. Jake was a man of faith. He always felt God was near to him and was concerned for his well being. He wrote in his journal that whatever came his way, that would be his ministry. His parents had him baptized as an infant in Snoqualmie Lutheran Church and as a boy he remembered his grandma Hills reading him Bible scripture by kerosene lamp before bed during the summers when he stayed on their ranch. He gave his heart to Jesus as a teenager, but in his words, “That didn’t stick” and he did not continue following Him until his loving, prayer-warrior wife Merrily interceded on his behalf and his heart was captured by the love of Christ. Jake loved his family, his extended family and his church. He was always there to extend a gracious heart to the poor, the lonely and the fatherless. His passions were driving classic old cars, riding motorcycles with his boys and all the guys, telling stories, enjoying a piece of pie, playing guitars and singing old cowboy songs with his family and friends. He especially loved being a husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and uncle. And was affectionately known as Papa Jake.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Jake will live forever in Christ and in the hearts and lives of us who knew him. Thank you Jesus!
Celebration of Life service to be held on Saturday May 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Church on the Ridge, 35221 SE Douglas St., Snoqualmie, WA, 98065