Jerald Raymond Heater, 66, passed away Nov. 14. Jerry was born in Salem 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 15, with his mother’s written permission, Jerry joined the Sublimity Fire District. This began his 50 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 his legacy. 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 People’s Church, the Sublimity Fire Department, as well as the Oregon Fire Chiefs’ Foundation, Oregon Fire Service Museum, and Antique Powerland Museum.
Jerry loved his family and in turn, his family adored him. The family loved to hang out at the “farm.” He was a faithful companion to Colleen, facing the challenges of life together. To his daughters and son-in-law, a shoulder to lean on, ready to fix a 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 was held at People’s Church on Nov. 20.
