Jerry Martin Piland

Jerry was born to Clifford and Veora Piland and brother Ken on August 1, 1944, in Bend, OR. His early years were spent in Medford, OR where he began his lifelong love for dogs from Rowdy, the family springer spaniel, and his love for baseball, Cliff being a pitcher for the minor league Cheney Studs. The family moved when he was in 7th grade to The Dalles, OR where he played a little football, a lot of basketball, and even more baseball and golf. He graduated in 1962 and then attended Whitworth College in Spokane on a baseball scholarship, where he began his lifelong love for Kathy, his wife of 49 years. He played 4 years of baseball as a pitcher and managed to play for the golf team as well. An outstanding student, he was selected as the State of Washington Collegiate Scholar Athlete of the Year upon graduation in 1966. After a short stay at the U of O working on his MA in Business Administration, he returned to Whitworth to get his teaching credential, beginning his lifelong work in 1967 as a teacher, coach, principal, and district administrator for the Evergreen School District. He also worked for Palena Associates as a financial advisor. He and Kathy were married in November of 1967. Their son, Cale, was born in April of 1974; on an evening that Jerrys baseball team won a double header. Their daughter, Amanda, came along in August of 1978 to complete their family. Cale married Lori Hendricks in 2002 and Amanda married Chris Flynn in 2003. From all of them he learned his lifelong love of having children and grandchildren. Allie, Josh, Harper, and Rylie bring so much joy to the family. He played golf at Royal Oaks, being a member since 1985. Several club championship boards bear his name, and he had at least 7 holes in one over the years. He enjoyed many rounds with his Saturday group. Jerry was very proud of his time at Evergreen High School and his leadership in the opening of Mt. View High School. At the district office, he counted the development of ongoing collaborative bargaining with the teachers union as one of his most important achievements while being part of the Human Resources Dept. He oversaw successful bargaining with the classified and administrator unions, as well, before his complete retirement in 2014. He enjoyed time at the Oregon coast, in Arizona golfing and watching spring training, and spending time in Central Oregon during the summer with the family in his retirement. An avid gym member and golf player, his passing at age 72 due to a pulmonary embolism on June 7, 2017 was completely unexpected. His family and many friends will miss him immensely and know that he would ask us to treasure each day. A celebration of life will be held at Royal Oaks Country Club on Saturday, June 17th, between 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Donations may be made to the Evergreen School District Foundation or the Humane Society of SW Washington.

Jerry Martin Piland

August 1, 1944 - June 7, 2017