Gerald was born September 24, 1919 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. His parents were Frank McCloud Battson and Huldah Grove Battson.
The family lived in Montana at the time, but his aunt lived in Canada and his mother was able to give birth in a medical facility instead on a one room home on the prairie.
He was born at a time when horses and buggy’s were used. One of his grandfathers owned a car, but that was extraordinary.
Life on the farm was tough. As a boy he had to arise at 4:30 and milk cows and care for the pigs. He had two brothers who shared in these chores, Glenn and Robert. Two sisters, Pauline and Ruth, also a little boy who died completed the family. The farming was not a success; they moved to Arkansas and Missouri.
When dad was 13 years, he left home. He rode the rails, picked fruit, and almost starved during the travels. He found work and continued to attend school in South California. He worked hard at all he did. He excelled in school. He learned to fly.
He married Dolores Mae Geisdorf Buffum, whose 2 year old son, Donny, was later joined by a brother, Lynn. Sickness came, the diphtheria epidemic, Dolores passed away. This broke dad’s heart.
After a time dad met Dorothea Butler, and married her. There were years of hard work and struggles. He loved to farm. In the 40’s, mom’s nephew Larry Butter was adopted. The family lived near Poulsbo, WA farming. Dad began his work as a longshoreman at this time. In 1951 they adopted Susan, taking her home at the age of one week.
Dad and Mom bought 10 acres near Bothell, WA and lived there until he retired. They had purchased property near Cowiche and moved here in the early 1980’s. Dad loved the soil. He grew a wonderful garden very year. He rose early before daylight, and fell into bed every night. He and mom loved to camp and fish.
They loved the Lord and Jesus Christ. Many hours were spent teaching others of the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each one of us. He was long time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served as missionaries at home and in Mexico. Eventually they wintered in Arizona.
Alzheimer’s Disease finally took dad away from us for a time. We entrusted his care to some wonderful people at Chandler House. He died Saturday March 26, 2016 in the morning. We enjoy the thought of the resurrection and what this means for our family. This is so comforting.
Dad was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, wife Dorothea, his parents, sister Pauline, brothers Donald, Glenn and Robert, and his son Lynn, and granddaughter Donna. His body is no longer bent & twisted in pain. Best of all, his mind is clear!
There will be a graveside service at West Hills Memorial Park, Friday April 1st at 11:00 a.m. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima, WA March 29-30-2016.