Derald Gaidos

Derald M. Gaidos, Jr, 61, passed away peacefully at home, taking his last fire truck ride to heaven on July 17, 2015. He fought a long and courageous 4 year battle with cancer, never once thinking he would lose that battle and determined to 'go the distance.' Derald was the first born to parents, Derald and Flossie Gaidos on August 14, 1953. He graduated from Cle Elum-Roslyn High School in 1971 being the first ASB president in the new high school. While there he played football, basketball and track, lettering in all three sports.
He later began working in the woods, logging for several different companies. Although he loved logging, his true passion was being a fireman. He joined the Cle Elum Fire Department and after 35 years of service was forced into retirement in 2014 due to his sickness. He was nominated and named Fire Chief for several of those years. After an injury in the logging industry, he went to Perry Technical Institute in Yakima and graduated at the top of his class. He then worked for Kittitas County as a code enforcement officer and county Fire Marshall. He finished his career in Yakima County as a fire investigator. During that time he was responsible for several arson convictions of which he was very proud. He also helped write several grants totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars for both Kittitas and Yakima counties. He always joked, 'Not bad for a logger.'
He married Stephany Nelson and had his daughter, Jennifer. Years later he married the love of his life and soulmate, Vickie. They were married for over 30 years and have two daughters, Zoie and Chloie.
In 1989 Derald became the patriarch of the immediate Gaidos family and took on the role of father, mother and big brother to his two younger siblings, Darcie and Douglas. He took this role very seriously. He changed his ways to become the mellow guardian of this family, guiding and encouraging their success in life.
After his diagnosis with cancer, his concern was not with himself, but to become an advocate for early detection. His advocacy resulted in several of his friends to be tested, diagnosed with cancer and cured. In his death, his friends live on. That what he was all about: family, friends and community.
He is survived by his wife Vickie, his daughter Jennifer (Danny Sizemore) their children Beckham and Emory; daughter Chloie Oakes, her child Mia; daughter Zoie Gaidos; his niece Lerae Gaidos, sister Darcie Correa, Douglas (Anne) Gaidos and his partner in crime, his dog Ruby Sue.
Services will be held on Saturday August 22nd at 11:00 AM at the Cle Elum Fire Department. A celebration of life potluck picnic will be at the Cle Elum Fireman's Park at 4:00 PM. This will allow enough time to change clothes, take a breather and get your favorite dish together. Water will be provided, so bring your favorite beverage. Seating is limited so please bring your own chairs.
We sincerely thank the Cle Elum Fire Department. Derald & Vickie would like donations, if you choose, sent to the Cle Elum City Fire Department.

SERVICES

Funeral service
Saturday, August 22, 2015
11:00 AM
Cle Elum Fire Dept.
302 N Pennsylvania Ave, Cle Elum
, WA 98922