Obituary: Masgai, Gerald D.
He was an altar boy and Boy Scout before joining the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17.
He was stationed in California at Camp Pendleton.
When he received his Honorable Discharge, he moved to Long Beach, CA.
It was in Long Beach, while ice dancing at an ice skating club, that he met the girl of his dreams, Elizabeth.
They married and had a daughter.
Gerald became a licensed land surveyor before they moved to Spokane.
During the early and mid ‘80s in Spokane, Gerald owned and operated his own land surveying firm, helped round up cattle, was a member of the Spokane Lilac Festival, and entered their horse, Dakota, at the Spokane County Fair.
In 1987, Gerald and family returned to California for a few years, but when Gerald and Elizabeth were ready to retire, they returned to Spokane to enjoy their Golden Years.
During the last decade in Spokane, Gerald built a home, was a member of the Spokane Rifle Club, the Marine Corps League, and the River City Modelers.
Gerald enjoyed a little travel with his wife, riding his tractor, and quiet time at home.
Gerald and Elizabeth celebrated 50 years of marriage in June of this year.
In 2012, Gerald lost his left eye to ocular melanoma; the melanoma metastasized to his liver.
He was diagnosed just two months before he passed on Veteran’s Day.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Elizabeth and daughter, Amy, who will miss him very much and love him always.
Semper Fi.
Funeral service will begin at 10:00am on Monday, November 17, 2014 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 505 W. St. Thomas More Way followed by a reception.
Interment will be at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake, WA beginning at 1:30PM.
The family wishes to thank Horizon Hospice for their loving care, kindness, and compassion.
Online guestbook at www.riplingerfuneralhome.com.