Gerald Walter Noel, “Jerry” to his friends and family, 80, long-time Harbor resident and former Evans Products employee, died Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at his home in Montesano.

Gerald was born on May 8, 1936, in Aberdeen to Evan Walter and Irene (Annis) Noel, the 5th of 6 siblings. His family was separated and he found himself in the foster care system and eventually ended up on a farm in the Elma/McCleary area.

Despite the upbringing, Jerry graduated from Elma High School in 1954. He excelled in Football and Boxing. He was the only young man ever to win 5 varsity letters in one scholastic year at Elma. He was held offices in the ASB and was President of the Boys Club. In 1998, he was inducted into the Elma Athletic Hall of Fame for 13 Varsity Letter in 5 sports and for his participation in the state basketball team.

Jerry was recruited by Grays Harbor College to play Football. He played 2 years as Guard, #53 earning 3 times All Conference Honors and 2 Letters. He played next to John Madden on the line. He eventually graduated with an Associate of Science.

Jerry joined the Navy and served 2 years active duty and 6 in reserves. In active duty, he was stationed in San Diego on the USS Ingersoll, DD-652. His service took him through the Pacific and Asia. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

On Aug. 27, 1960, Jerry married Nancy Ollikainen. She passed away on Dec. 22, 1994.

Jerry went to work for Evans Products in the mill and then as plant accountant until the mill closed in 1986. The then worked at HALA and served on its Board of Directors.

He was active in his church, Calvary Lutheran in Aberdeen and was a member of the Elders Board.

He was a member of the Olympians, enjoyed his Senior Activities including fitness, Bingo and lunches. He enjoyed clam digging, blackberry picking, watching “Those Damn Mariners” and his favorite football teams. He enjoyed traveling to visit his sister Carol in Southern California.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Kris, and husband Jay Salmon, his brother Quentin and sisters Carole (Noel) Bates and husband Don and Marlene (Noel) Upkas and her husband Leon in addition to many adoring nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded by his son Jeff, brother, Don and a sister Phyllis.

There will be a memorial service for Jerry at Calvary Lutheran Church in Aberdeen at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital or Calvary Lutheran Church.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Wash.