On Sept. 2, 2022, Gerald D. “Jerry” McFeely, passed away after battling a long illness, and complications from COVID-19. He was 91.

Jerry never knew a stranger. He was outgoing, outspoken and a man of his word. On Oct. 23, 1953, he married the love of his life, Bonnie J. Woolf, who remained at his bedside until his very last day on this earth.

Jerry was a professional firefighter with the Hoquiam Fire Department for over 30 years, retiring in 1987 as a captain. It was a profession that he loved, and he remained proud and passionate about it until his last breath. Over the years Jerry had various other jobs. He worked at saw mills and on log booms, and also worked at Lawrence and Macan repairing oil furnaces for many residents all across Grays Harbor. None compared to his love of firefighting, and until he became ill, he walked to the fire station regularly to visit and grab a cup of coffee.

Jerry was devoted to his community, and was active in the Hoquiam Lions Club, having served in several offices over the years. He was well known for selling the most Rain Derby tickets each year, and for his active participation at the Lions Club Salmon BBQ. He was incredibly proud of the new Lions Club Old Cannery Park on Adams Street, and visited there almost weekly with his son, Mark. He was happy just to sit and visit, looking out over the waves and the shore.

Jerry was a sports fanatic! He was proud to be a Hoquiam Grizzly, having excelled in track during high school. Over the years, he umpired baseball/slow pitch, was a basketball referee and a football official. He had coached Little League teams in Hoquiam for many years, and continued to assist his son-in-law, Jerry Schjei, when his grandson, Kevin, began playing t-ball. He enjoyed duck hunting with his brothers in their earlier years, and loved clam digging. He was a master at digging, cleaning and frying clams. He enjoyed golf at Highlands on a regular basis, where wagers were often made on each hole to keep everyone honest!

Jerry was most proud of his family. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In reality, we were the fortunate ones, to have the undying love and support of Bonnie and Jerry.

Gerald D. McFeely was born in Hoquiam, Washington on Feb. 5, 1931, to Bess (Endresen) and Ernest McFeely. He was predeceased by his brothers James McFeely and Fred McFeely. He is survived by his wife Bonnie McFeely, who resides at their home in Hoquiam, his son Mark (Michelle) McFeely of Central Park, daughters Kerry (Jerry) Schjei and Stacy Mayne, both of Irvine, California, his grandkids: Kevin Schjei of Irvine, Ryan (Mike) McFeely of Seattle, Kacy (Michael) Keck of Bellingham, Shandi (Jace) Sorter of Bonney Lake and Danielle (Daniel) Nelson of Aberdeen and, finally, his great-grandchildren: Marki, Shayla, Addison, and Greyson Sorter, all of Bonney Lake; and Camryn Schjei and Becker Schjei, both of Irvine.

The family wishes to thank our dad’s dearest friend, Gary Morgan, for all the support he’s given to both dad and our entire family over the years, and especially during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care of our dad until the very end.

Anyone who knew our dad also knew how much he adored his dog, Molly, and how heartbroken he was when she passed. We are certain that she was waiting patiently for him to join her and that she has already laid a stick at his feet, asking him to play a game of fetch with her!

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, 11 a.m., at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to the Hoquiam Lions Club, P.O. Box 1, Hoquiam, WA 98550.