Gerald Thomas Terjeson

Gerald Thomas Terjeson passed away peacefully on January 15, 2014, at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Ore., with his family members present. Gerald was born to Thomas and Signe Terjeson on January 3, 1921, in Pendleton, Ore. He lived his whole life in the Helix area where he farmed with his father and uncle and then later with his son, Jerry. Even after turning over farming responsibilities to Jerry he remained an integral part of the operation. At the age of 92, you could often see him driving cat in the fields and mowing for the annual Juniper Canyon golf tournament, helping move equipment and giving seasoned advice. He was still a much respected part of the farming community.

Gerald started school in a one-room school house in North Juniper and attended school in Helix and graduated from Pendleton High School. He attended Oregon State University. He met and married Shirley Joan Chaney on March 18, 1942. He served in the Army during World War ll.

Their daughter Virginia Lee (Ginny) was born on May 16, 1944 and their son, Gerald Thomas Terjeson (Jerry) was born on February 1, 1952.

During a period of time in the 1960s the family formed the Juniper T Ranch and went into the cattle business. This included Tommy, Jens, Verne, Ralph, Ron, Rich, Gerald and Jimmy along with assorted children who loved to help. The annual 70-mile cattle drive could be a comedy of errors at times but they loved it. The camaraderie with the friends who would show up to help was a highlight to them. It was a lot of hard work, but it was family and family was important.

Gerald had a new shop built on the farm and this became a stopping off point for friends driving by and also a gathering place for many events. This was his favorite spot on the ranch. Gerald was a family man, very friendly, very giving. His greatest joy was when his grandchildren started arriving. His love and devotion was wonderful to see. When his great-grandchildren came along his life was complete. He had a special sparkle in his eye when they would enter the room. His friends were far and wide and he had many close friendships over the years. He was so proud to be your friend.

Gerald was a lifetime member and past trustee of BPOE #288, a past board director and vice president of PGG, a member of the Helix Booster Club and a member of the Wheat League. He is predeceased by his wife Joan and his parents, Tom and Signe Terjeson. He is survived by his son Jerry (Yvonne) Helix, Ore., and daughter Virginia (Ginny) Montgomery (Steve), Clarkston, Wash.; four grandchildren: Tom Terjeson (Coree), Helix, Ore., Christena Krieger (Travis), Hillsboro, Ore., Don Montgomery (Rachel), Clarkston, Wash., and Melissa Howard (Mike), Boise, Idaho; and four great-grandchildren: Mazee Terjeson, Seraphine Krieger, Cohen Montgomery and Denielle Montgomery. He is also survived by one brother, James Terjeson (Marilyn), Pendleton, Ore.; niece Robin Terjeson, College Place, Wash., nephew Matthew Terjeson (Jan), Beaverton, Ore., and great-niece Lydia Terjeson, Pullman, Wash.

A private family burial was held January 18, 2014, at Olney Cemetery, Pendleton, Ore. A celebration of life will be held January 27, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Vert in Pendleton, Ore. A reception will follow at the Pendleton Elks Lodge.

Geralds family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Anthony Hospital for their exceptional, kind and compassionate care. Donations may be made to the Helix Memorial Scholarship Fund or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made through Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop.