Gerald Raymond Fields

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gerald Raymond Fields, who left us on April 9, 2025 at the age of 84. Surrounded by his loving family in his final days, he was a man greatly admired for his big heart and thoughtful acts of kindness.

Jerry was born January 12, 1941 in Windsor, Ontario. He was the eldest child of Raymond and Lorida (Decaire) Fields. Jerry married his wife, Gail Patricia (LaMarsh) in 1958. They were married for 60 years until her passing in 2019. Jerry met his wife Gail while working as a teenager at the Hi Ho Drive-In Diner. He was a soda jerk and she was a carhop. In 1958, the two were married. They moved to California in 1960 and by 1969 had four children.

Together they created an amazing life of love including the family Jerry was so proud to have in his life. Their four children, Gerald (Debbie) Fields, David (Cindi) Fields, Mark (Felicia) Fields, Shandra (Larry) Beer, fourteen grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren were all his pride and joy. There was not anything more important to him than family. He supported the children and grandchildren by cheering them on in life, whether they were playing sports, battling health issues, being promoted, graduating or moving out of state. Whatever the circumstance, you could count on him to be there in spirit, saying a prayer, or offering advice.

In addition to his immediate family, Jerry is survived by three much-loved sisters Bev (Les) Stevenson, Debra (Bruce) Hales, and Jo-Anne Fields. Big heavenly hugs were received from his sisters, Marie (Ken) Stephen and Cheryl (Bruce) Cumpson. He did not limit his care and concern for his own immediate family. He was also an amazing godfather, uncle, and cousin. Many of these family members share the same memories of Jerry’s kindness, humor, and generosity. Jerry stayed connected to family whether they lived near or far. He made it his job to know what you were up to and how you were doing. If you came to visit him in his earlier years he would take you on tours around Hollywood, the beach, or maybe a visit to Disneyland or Magic Mountain. Family gatherings would include lots of stories, laughing and playing card games like euchre, poker, and blackjack.

He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. When he couldn’t be there in person for a special occasion he would pick up the phone and call. If it was for your birthday it always included a birthday song, often impersonating Elvis. In addition to Elvis, he was a big fan of classic country, Credence Clearwater Revival, and the Eagles. In his final days, he was singing Take it Easy with anyone who would join him.

Jerry worked hard to support his family with various jobs. He worked for Mattel toys, he delivered milk in the Hollywood Hills, and he delivered Hostess products to grocery stores before becoming a sales representative in the trucking business. Ringsby and ABF were two companies he worked for before devoting a large number of years to Watkins Motor Lines. It is from this company that he retired in 2004. The team at Watkins became his extended family. He remained in contact with several of these friends up until his final days.

His passion for sports was evident by just counting the number of hours he spent watching ESPN, NHL Network, Fox Sports, NFL Network, and more. He had the best cable package available! Jerry was very proud of his own hole in one while golfing with friends at Echo Hills Golf Course in Hemet, CA. He also bragged about the time he sat with Arte Moreno, former owner of the Angels, while watching Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. It came as no surprise that Jerry would do anything to watch the Angels play in the World Series. He scored a ticket (at face value) to two games by standing on the sidewalk near the stadium holding a cardboard sign!

In addition to sports and music, Jerry also loved his ice cream. His children and grandchildren will attest to the fact that this trait is genetic. Following dinner, there just had to be ice cream. There was no doubt what flavor he wanted. It was always chocolate. While hospitalized in his final days he didn’t really want to eat but he would not turn away ice cream. Nurses bribed him with spoonfuls of ice cream to take his medicine. He was also relentless in his pursuit of a Klondike bar, asking anyone entering the room if they brought him one.

Some may not know that Jerry was diagnosed with both prostate and laryngeal cancer. This required prostate removal followed by radiation treatments for his larynx. Then, in 2010 he had an aortic valve replacement and double bypass surgery. The family was told the valve should be good for about 10 years. The fact that it lasted 15 years is evidence that Jerry had a strong heart. It was strong in many ways, suffering great losses, grieving those who died before him. Yet he continued forward with the faith that he would reunite with them again. It is our belief that there was a large crew ready to welcome him into heaven. Of course, front and center would be his wife, Gail, asking “Gerald, what took you so long?!”

He leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew him. It is our hope that heaven is filled with family, sports, music, and chocolate ice cream!

Jerry’s final wishes were to be cremated and buried with his wife at Elsinore Valley Cemetery without holding a formal memorial service. The family hopes that you will find your own way to honor their father’s memory in a way that matches the love Jerry showed to all who knew him.

Messages, stories, and photos you wish to pass along to the family can be emailed to caangelfan@gmail.com.