Jerald Raymond Heater, 66, passed away November 14. Jerry was born in Salem, Oregon, on April 2, 1944, the youngest of three sons born to Maurice and Lucille Heater. He grew up on the family farm just outside of Sublimity. It was during his childhood that Jerry developed a love for the fire service. At the young age of fifteen, with his mother’s written permission, Jerry joined the Sublimity Fire district. This began his fifty years dedication to the fire service. Jerry graduated from Silverton Union High School in 1961. He passed his passion for the fire service on to new recruits in various teaching positions at Sublimity Fire District, Salem Tech (currently Chemeketa Community College), Portland Community College, and other departments in the Willamette Valley. In the fall of 1968 he was hired at Tualatin Fire District as a Battalion Chief in charge of training.
In 1972, Jerry married his wife Colleen. The two lived in Tualatin with their two daughters while Jerry worked for Fire District. In 1978, Jerry resigned his position as Battalion Chief and moved back to the farm with his family, where he purchased a small business, Cruise Master Engraving and built a home. His business specialized in service to and recognition of other fire service members. His youngest daughter, Susan, will continue on with the business and Jerry’s legacy of quality service. Jerry also rejoined Sublimity Fire District as a volunteer, first as a captain, then Assistant Chief, and eventually led the department as Chief.
Jerry loved donating his time to Peoples Church, the Sublimity Fire Department, as well as the Oregon Fire Chiefs’ Foundation, Oregon Fire Service Museum, and Antique Powerland Museum.
Dad loved family, and we adored him. We all love to hang out at the “farm”. To Mom he was her faithful companion, facing the challenges of life together. To his daughters and son-in-law, a shoulder to lean on, always ready to fix any problem or give words of wisdom. To his grandkids, he was “Papa”…quite simply…adored.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Colleen; children, Barbara (Scott) Voll, of Silverton, and Susan Turner, of Sublimity; five grandchildren, Grace, Isaiah, Jillian, Gabriel, and Malachi; brothers Jim (Shirley) Heater, of Sublimity and John Heater, of Salem; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at People’s Church, 4500 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, Oregon, Saturday, November 20th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Peoples Church or the Oregon Fire Service Museum, 1284 Court St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.
Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services
Online Condolence can be made at Weddle-Funeral.com
