Jerold Goade

Jerold “Jerry” Joseph Goade, Sr. was born on April 27, 1937 to Alta Case Goade and Leonard “Jake” Goade in the small town of Duenweg, MO. Jerry loved to say that he was “just a country boy”, and as the youngest of four boys, spent his childhood fishing, swimming, playing baseball, drawing, and getting into mischief with his brothers Billy Ray, Harold Max, and Ralph Wayne. Even though he was born with a disability, he never let that get in his way. He could do anything that anyone else could.

As a teenager, the family moved to the big(ger) city of Joplin, MO and Jerry went to work to support his family. One of his various jobs included driving a car from Missouri to Washington. Jerry visited his brother, Harold, who had moved to Seattle. Jerry decided to stay in the Pacific Northwest after the trip. He worked various jobs in Oregon over the next few years but became interested in a job managing a Dental Supply store despite having no knowledge of the industry. He applied three times, and through his perseverance, he landed the job. Three days later the owners left him on his own with nothing but a dental supply catalogue. Jerry was determined to succeed and began his lifelong career in dental supply sales, working for S.S. White, Arnold Dental Supply and JB Dental. He built up a large clientele not only because he was a good salesman, but because he was friendly, honest, and went above and beyond for his clients.

Jerry’s career took him to Seattle, where he met the love of his life, Rosemary (Kaiser) Goade. Rosemary was the elevator operator in the Cobb Building, where Jerry had many clients. Her coworkers told her that Jerry was a charming, funny, friendly, nice guy, so she met him in the coffee shop on a break.  They had their first date on New Year’s Eve of 1959 and were engaged a few weeks later on Valentine’s Day of 1960. They were married on August 20, 1960 at St. Edward Catholic Church, honeymooned in British Columbia, and started their home and family and in Rainier Valley.

Of all Jerry’s accomplishments in life, he would tell you that his wife and family were the greatest. Jerry and Rosemary raised six children: Erin, Jerry (Jr.), Paul, Kelly, Colleen, and Richard. Jerry went to work every morning to provide for his family, and his kids couldn’t wait for him to get home at night. They didn’t have much money but they were rich in love. Weekends were for family time which included picnics, camping, trips to the country and the beach, playing sports and board games together. He taught them how to work hard, laugh at everything, and how to love and accept everyone through his example.  

As their children married, his pride multiplied with the addition of his thirteen granddaughters, and he became lovingly known as “Grandfather”. He and Rosemary were at every birth, birthday, school play, recital, soccer game, gymnastics meet, and talent show, letting their grandchildren know they were loved. They continued to love and support their eleven great-grandchildren. He became Grandfather to so many friends of the family by sharing his love and support with them as well. His character, personality, humor, love, and memory will live on through his family and many friends. 

Jerry and Rosemary’s home is known fondly as “Goade Manor”. He enjoyed many years of tending to his beautiful garden and building projects in the shed. It is best known for being open to all, and Jerry made sure of that. He had a special way of making people feel welcome, connecting with them and, of course, making them laugh with his big personality and humor. There are too many stories, jokes, and pranks to publish, but they’ll always be remembered along with his laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to St. Edward Catholic Church.