Gerard Anthony Heelan Obituary (2024)

Gerard Anthony Heelan of Yakima, WA passed away peacefully on February 1st 2024. Those fortunate to have known "Gerry" can attest to his larger than life personality, absolute devotion to his wife, Marie, and love for his home country of Ireland. Gerard was born on June 27th 1938 in Limerick, Ireland, to Edward and Mary (Byrne), the youngest of five children. He loved to tell stories of his childhood, catching fish with his brothers and selling them for $.50 to the local hotel restaurants. While sipping on Guinness he would sing old Irish folk songs and share all the phrases he knew in Gaelic, followed by his signature mischievous wink. Gerry enlisted with the British Royal Navy and served in the Canadian Military. When his military duty was over he began working for various oil companies. While on a work assignment in Superior, Wisconsin he met his love, Marie Sleva Ford. They married in Canada and later had Patrick Edward Heelan in 1977. After many years working on the Alaskan Pipeline, Gerry retired in Ferndale, WA. In 2020 both Gerry and Marie moved to Yakima, WA to be closer to family. Gerry is survived by his wife Marie; step-daughter Susan; granddaughters Sara (Tory), Samantha (Matt), Ashley; great-grandchildren Carter, Camryn, Emerson, and William; as well as his extended loving family in Ireland and the UK. He was proceeded in death by his son Patrick; parents; and siblings. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. www.brooksidefuneral.com