Gerald (Jerry) Ryon passed away at his home in Warrenton on April 21, 2014, after a lengthy illness.
Jerry was born in Astoria, Oregon, January 28th, 1946, the eldest son of Gene Ryon and Jeannie Bay. He went to school at Astoria and Newport.
He joined the US Navy in 1963 and served aboard the USS Hornet, serving two tours in Viet Nam. Jerry loved being at sea. In 1967, he returned to Astoria’s fishing industry, working for a variety of commercial fishing vessels.
November 1995 marked the last of his commercial fishing days, when a rogue wave struck the commercial boat near dawn. The huge swell ripped off the wheelhouse roof causing lingering injuries to him and his shipmates. He also operated as a gillnetter, was tow-truck operator, and employed for several years by Intel. Jerry was an adept mechanic and handyman and studied at Clatsop Community College.
Jerry worked his remaining years for a concession company and as security at Clatsop Community College, before retiring and moving to Warrenton.
Jerry enjoyed camping, clam digging, hunting, fishing, BBQs, pool, cribbage and pinochle with friends and family. He was or had been active in the American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW, 40&8, Moose Lodge and Ducks Unlimited.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Thomas Ryon.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Wanna; daughters Stacy Fuentes, Tracy Hanson, Kelli Ryon; son Richard Ryon; stepson Christopher Otto; sisters Paula Flagg and Debbie Weathers; brothers Kevin and Scott Ryon; as well as many grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Astoria American Legion on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The family invites you to come and share cards, stories and photos.
Remembrances may be in the form of donations to maintain the USS Hornet at usshornet.org .
Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com .