Gerald Thomas Minifie

Gerald Thomas Minifie of Portland, Oregon, passed away on September 24, 2024. He is survived by his wife RuthAnn, their children Jonathan (Jan) Minifie, Sheri Ann (Dean) Beckley, and Julie (Aaron) Barnett, and his grandchildren Jackson, Brandon, Renee, Quinn, Lydia, Brianna, Drew, Luke, and Tyler. He is also survived by his two older brothers John and Fred, their wives Beve and Barbara, and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Iris, as well as his niece Christy.

Gerald, known fondly as Jerry, was born to John D. and Iris N. Minifie (Houston) on September 12, 1937 in Prineville, Oregon. The family moved to Salem, Oregon in 1942. Jerry was raised there, attended Salem High School before graduating from South Salem HS in 1955. He was an all-state tennis player, excelled in academics, enjoyed the debate team, and attended Young Life club where he became a follower of Jesus.

After studying at Willamette University and Linfield College, he graduated from Oregon State in 1959. He worked in Young Life as a leader in Stayton and then Grants Pass. He later moved to Washington DC to work for the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, where he met his wife RuthAnn. They were married in 1965, and moved back to Salem in 1970. He had a varied professional background, working for the Oregon State Board of Education, Alpha Construction, SAIF Corporation, and Liberty Northwest Insurance. Jerry and RuthAnn loved their community at Trinity Covenant Church, and were deeply involved with Young Life, bringing food, opening their home, meeting with leaders, and serving on the Committee. He and RuthAnn raised their children in Salem before moving to Tigard in 1989.

He was a devoted husband, caring father and grandfather, and a loving friend. Jerry’s personal and professional legacy was one of service, perseverance, compassion, and kindness to those he knew. When it came to cribbage, card games, ping pong, chess or backgammon, he had few rivals. He was a uniquely vicious and good-natured competitor, which was all at once infuriating and endearing. An avid outdoorsman, he created lifelong memories hunting, fishing, and golfing with friends and family. He will be dearly missed.

To honor Jerry’s memory, a service will be held at Sunset Church (14986 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR) on October 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local Young Life area in his name.