Gerald Overway was born March 6, 1918 in Oak Harbor and died August 16, 2005 in Mount Vernon. He was third son born to John Overway and Fanny Overway (Bultman). He completed the eighth in the Oak Harbor School District. After the eighth grade he worked many long hours on his father’s farm. In the fifth grade he met his future wife Alice Rodgers. On Dec. 8, 1939 Gerald and Alice were married by a justice of the peace at her parents’ home on Cornet Bay and they shared 65 wonderful years together. They bought the Charlie Neinhuis Farm in Clover Valley in 1940 they lived and farmed there until 1942 until the Navy bought them out. At that time they moved to the Skagit Valley. He and his brother Elmer milked cows until 1944 at which time they switched to crop farming. In 1955 Gerald and Elmer stopped farming and Gerald bought a share in the Anacortes Veneer Plant. Gerald worked as head millwright until his early retirement due to health problems in 1977. Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting, his beautiful garden, barbecuing, winemaking camping, friends, but mostly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Papa taught them many useful things. He also taught them things that could totally embarrass their parents.

Gerald is survived by his wife Alice at Logan Creek Retirement Home; two sons, Bill (Roni) Overway of Anchorage, Alaska and John Overway of Kennewick; one daughter, Dulcie Thomas (Jerry) of Mount Vernon; two brothers, Stanley (Jack) and Lorraine Overway of Port Townsend, and Elmer Overway of Connecticut; grandchildren Delaine (Chris) Carter of Texas, Joel (Loretta) Overway of Fairbanks, and Jason Overway of Sheridan, Ore.; five great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gerald was preceded in death by one brother, Henry Overway; three sisters-in-law, Marie Overway, Virginia Overway and Jo Rodgers; one brother-in-law, Ed Rodgers and one granddaughter, Kari Thomas Ploeg.

Gerald was a kind, generous man with a heart of gold. In his 87 years he touched many lives. Dad you will live in our hearts forever. Thank you for your love, gentle guidance and for sharing your sense of humor with us. We will honor you in death as we did in life, and we await the time to be reunited with you again. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the charity of your choice.

A Memorial Reception will be held Friday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hawthorne Reception Room. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon.