Gerald Leon Inman
Published 5:00 am Sunday, April 21, 2013
Feb. 15, 1930 – April 17, 2013
Gerald Leon Inman, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, departed this world and into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
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A celebration of life will be held at the Christian Life Center of Bend, 21720 E. Highway 20, Bend, OR on Monday, April 22, 11:00 a.m.
Born February 15, 1930 in Grinnell, Iowa, Gerry (as he was known by most) was 83 years old but one would never have known it by how he lived life … to its fullest. Gerry met his bride, Bettina, in 1951, while trying to impress her at the local roller rink. They celebrated 62 years of marriage this past summer. Prior to that, Gerry attended high school in North Platte, Nebraska, and joined the Navy right out of high school, where he served as an electrician for 4 years. Gerry and Bettina made their first home in Mountain View, California, where they raised 3 beautiful children; Terri, Jeff and Kimber. Gerry worked for Hewlett Packard where he was instrumental in moving Advanced Products Division from the bay area to Corvallis, Oregon in 1975. Gerry retired after 30 years with HP. Upon retiring he took a sabbatical so that he and Bettina could sail the Pacific Ocean for 5 years. While preparing for their nautical adventure in their sailboat, ”Breakaway,” docked in Sausalito, Gerry worked for Lee Mah Electronics in San Francisco. The sailboat was sold after completing their voyage and a motor home purchased. The adventure continued on land with many cross country trips to visit relatives, and in 1989, they made their home in Sunriver. While in Sunriver Gerry dabbled in Real Estate and pursued his passion for fly fishing, wind surfing and racquetball. For many years, Gerry and Bettina would escape the cold central Oregon winters by driving their RV to San Carlos, Mexico, where he took on the challenge of kite boarding .
Gerry was a sportsman in every sense of the word. While in the bay area, he and the family would spend many a day at the beach while he surfed all his favorite breaks in Santa Cruz. He loved to water ski and was a member of the Golden Anchor Boat Club in Tracy, California. One could also find Gerry looking for a pick-up game of handball at the local YMCA.
An avid sailor, Gerry sailed and raced several classes of sailboats. He qualified for Olympic trials sailing team in the Finn class, prior to the 1972 Summer Games in Munich, Germany.
Travel was a passion of Gerrys. He and Bettina traveled throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand and after moving to Oregon, would spend winters in San Carlos, Mexico.
Over the years, Gerry was very involved with the Shepherds House, a shelter for homeless men. He was also a member of Christian Life Center.
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While Gerry had many interests and passions, his greatest love was his wife, Bettina. He was, above all else, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Gerry is survived by his wife, Bettina; daughters Terri and Kimber; son Jeff; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent, in memory of Gerald L. Inman, to the Shepherds House, 1854 NE Division Street, Bend, OR 97701.
Baird Funeral Home is most honored to serve the family; 541-382-0903.
Gerry Inman