Gerald Oland Rhea Jr.

Gerry was born in Popular Bluff, MO to Gerald Rhea, Sr. and Jean Brinson. At an early age, the family moved to Whatcom County for their strawberry business where he attended Assumption School and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1961. He then attended Yakima Valley Community College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served 6 years with 2 tours of Vietnam and received the bronze medal.

While based at the Philadelphia naval base, he met his future wife, Linda McCliment. After being honorably discharged, he moved his family to Bellingham. After being employed by Georgia Pacific for a year, he was hired by the Bellingham Herald as an ad salesman, where he was later named Advertising Director. Retiring from the Herald, he became Ad Director for the Rochester Post Bulletin.

Upon retirement in 2009, Gerry and Linda moved to Gold Canyon AZ until recently, Mesa AZ. Gerry was proud to have recently celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary with Linda.

Survivors include wife, Linda Rhea of Mesa AZ, daughter Julie Klein (Mitch) of Seattle, WA, son Chris (Julie) of Henderson NV, son Andrew (Tami) of Dover MN, brother Bill (Mary) of Mesa AZ, sister Dottie (Lee) of Wimberley TX, brother-in-law, Jim McCliment (Joy) of Philipsburg, PA and six grandchildren, Sophie, Jake, Caleb, Conner, Aiden and Ana. Also included are several aunts, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by father, Gerald Rhea Sr., mother, Pat Rhea, and mother Jean O'Donnell and stepfather, Gene O'Donnell and youngest brother, Marc Rhea.

In addition to his family and 3 Labradors, Gerry's favorite things in life were baseball, hunting, football, fishing and golf. RIP "Bodini!" Post cremation, a life celebration will be held at Westford's Broadway Hall, 1300 Broadway St., Bellingham on Thursday, June 18th from 4PM to 6PM. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association .