Gerald "Jerry" Lightfoot

Jerry lost the battle with cancer at his home early morning on Jan. 6, 2012. He gave the best fight of his life.

Jerry was born April 5, 1940 to Herman and Ina Lightfoot in Walla Walla, Wash. He spent a short period of time in grade school in Walla Walla, then moved to Prescott, Wash. Where he continued school and graduated.

He was married to Peggy Lightfoot for 29 years and had three children, Kurt, Lorrie, and Dawn. In 1991, Jerry married Tara and gained 2 more daughters, Leslie and Julie.

Jerry worked for the WW/NW Grain Growers as an Operational Manager for 36 years. He retired in 2000 due to an injury to his neck. He so loved that Job! Jerry was on the board of P.N.W.G.G Association until his retirement. Jerry also was a life member of the Elks and belonged to the WW gun club of which he was an avid shotgun shooter; just another one of his passions.

Jerry loved competition and speed; some of his favorite pass-times were golfing, racing snowmobiles, cars and motorcycles; the faster the better. He loved the boats and water. He used to spend lots of time running Hells Canyon and the white water; again the challenge. For the last few years, he and Tara spent the winters in Arizona along the Colorado River as Snowbirds. Boating daily became one of the favorite past-times. He began riding his Harley, another true passion. He so enjoyed his bikes, the fun of riding, and with that, came a lot of new friends. Over the years, he spent a lot of time on his Hot Rod and enjoyed working on them ad well as cruising.

The last several years, his all time favorite thing to do was to watch and attend Nascar Races. Anyone who knew Jerry knew not to call or stop when the races were on TV! With all the hobbies, Jerry met so many people. Jerry never met a stranger.

Jerry left behind his wife Tara; four daughters, Lorrie Martin and Juan, Dawn Briley and Roy of Moses Lake, Wash. Leslie Ritter-Meek and Mike, Julie Turner and Jerod of Priest River, Id,; 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; 1 brother Kenny Lightfoot and Sandy of Bullhead City, AZ, Peggy Lightfoot of Moses Lake, Wash. and lots of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Chuck and Bob (Red) Lightfoot and his son, Kurt Lightfoot.

Memorial contributions may be made to Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St. Walla Walla, WA 99362.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the College Place Presbyterian Church beginning with our remembrance of Jerry followed by a potluck at the same location.