RAYMOND GERE left to be in the loving arms of Jesus on April 7th, 2023 at age 82 in Nampa, ID. Jake spent the first 70 years of his life in Washington State in the Snoqualmie Valley. He was born September 25, 1940, in Cashmere, Washington to Kenneth and Marie Gere.

The family later moved to the Coal Mine road in Snoqualmie. Jake joined the Navy and served from 1957 to 1961. Jake married Merrily Weller (Gere) October 28, 1960, and they were married 58 years.

Jake is survived by 5 children: Darin (Holly), Fritz (Julie), Corky (Diana), Kindal McGregor, Karen (Dan Davis), and daughter-in-law Colene Gere. Sister Sue Piercy, brothers Edwin Gere, and Chaz Gere. Brothers-in-law Bill Weller (Bev) and Jon Weller (Sidney). He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Jake was preceded in death by his beloved wife Merrily, his oldest son Braden; his oldest granddaughter, Hannah; and son-in-law, Daulton McGregor.

Jake was a business owner and worked at the family grocery store in NorthBend from 1965 to 1990. He retired and became a local Pastor at the New Life Christian Center in Snoqualmie that he and his wife helped plant. Jake loved his family, his extended family and his church. He was always there to extend a gracious heart to the poor, the lonely and the fatherless. His passions were driving classic old cars, riding motorcycles with his boys and all the guys, telling stories, enjoying a piece of pie, playing guitars and singing old cowboy songs with his family and friends. He especially loved being a husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and uncle. And was affectionately known as Papa Jake.

Celebration of Life service to be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Church on the Ridge, 35221 SE Douglas St., Snoqualmie, WA, 98065