Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jerry Kush Obituary
JERRY LEE KUSH
October 31, 1942 ~ September 29, 2016
"Jerry was a fun loving man
who loved life and enjoyed every day possible."
Jerry Lee Kush, 73, of Battle Ground, WA, died peacefully on Thurs., Sept. 29, 2016 at 5:05 p.m. in his home after a two-month battle with an aggressive cancer. He was a family man who was determined and never complained of illness or pain. Jerry received hospice care and was surrounded by family and friends, music, prayers, and love as he passed. Prior to death, Jerry received daily visitors as well as multiple calls from all over calling to pray into his ear. The weeks previous, he was visited by close friends from MO, CA, TX and AK.
Jerry grew up in St. Joseph, MO; the son of Walter and Hazel Kush. He was a celebrated athlete at his high school and received a college scholarship for football. Jerry was raised catholic and was very much a part of his community along with brother, Gene.
In the 1960's, Jerry moved to California and worked in the car business. He quickly became successful; promoted to sales manager and general manager. Jerry won several sales awards, including all expense paid trips to Nashville, TN; the Super Bowl in Atlanta via Puerto Rico, and a Disney package in Orlando, FL including a Disney Cruise through the Caribbean.
In the 1970's, he moved to Oregon, where he met and married his wife Sharon.
Jerry was an avid sports fan; with season tickets to the Duck games for over ten years. He was known to take over the living room on Saturdays in Autumn and watch as many games at once as possible. He also rooted for his home town boys in MO. Jerry was very active with golf, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, and most things outdoor. He was also an amazing camp cook.
Jerry and Sharon lived throughout Oregon and in retirement settled in Battle Ground, WA in 2006 where he spent many years biking with his friend Don, attending his grandchildren's games, camping with his wife, and keeping up with friends in MO.
Jerry was referred to as "The Rock" by his family
for always being the strength and support for others.
Jerry leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Sharon Lynette Kush; daughter, Shareece Schatz Kush; son, Landon Kush; daughter, Kamera Lee; son, Kevin Andrews; many grandchildren, family, and close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., Nov. 12, 2016 at 4p.m. at Anthem Church, 1415 NE 223rd Ave., Fairview, OR 97024, anthemfamily.org. For additional information, please contact Shareece at: [email protected].
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Kush
Donna Ottman
October 22, 2016
I have to revise my entry. Jerry worked at Vancouver Mazda Dodge not Gilbert and Seibel. G&S had sold and it had become VMD when he was there. I just spoke to my son, John Ottman and he told me that he uses a story about Jerry in seminars at Intel where he works. He said that when he worked with Jerry at the dealership he was out washing cars in the rain when Jerry came out, took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and proceeded to help John wash cars. When John asked him why he was doing that, Jerry said I want to help you hurry to get out of the rain. John said that is when Jerry quit being a boss to him and became a Leader. Jerry will be missed.
Wendy Provis-Breedlove
October 20, 2016
I am blessed to have had you in my life. You are part of the reason i am who i am. I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you ever did for me, and the fact that no matter what i knew you were always there for me.
The first time i ever met you, when i was 7 years old (but told you i was 12 LOL) i knew you were special Thank you for all the wonderful memories, and for accepting and loving me as one of your own kids
The world was a better place by having you in it, and i know your spirit will live on in your kids and grandkids.
I know we have a guardian angel watching over us
Love ya Kush <3 Thanks for being you <3
Maureen (Hutton) Williams
October 20, 2016
I remember Jerry as a fantastic guy, very talented and friendly. We were in the same graduating class of Benton High School, and he will be sorely missed. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Pat Johnston
October 19, 2016
Lots of great memories of our friendship in our high school days. RIP
How you can show support
Michele (Marsh) Shields
October 19, 2016
My sympathies to the family. I went through Benton High/Class of 1961 with Jerry and remember good times. And we always enjoyed when he returned for our reunions. We'll miss him.
Marilyn Reinarz
October 19, 2016
Jerry will be missed by many friends and family. I'm sorry to see him gone so soon. May Jerry Rest In Peace.
October 19, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I went through high school and graduated with Jerry. He was a great guy and loved by the class of 1961. I have always treasured his friendship. My prayers are with his family.
Linda (Shepherd) Barth
Ilene Dwyer
October 19, 2016
I will miss your kind words and hugs that you never stopped sharing after the loss of my husband. RIP my friend.
Carole Whitney
October 19, 2016
Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.
Harold & Rebecca Stewart
October 19, 2016
Sending condolences to the family and remembering a swell high school classmate. When Jerry came back to MO for our class reunions, he had a great big smile for everyone and when I sent him an email about a classmate, he always wrote back, "Hey, how are you two. Thanks for the email".
Donna Ottman
October 17, 2016
I worked with Jerry at Gilbert and Seibel VW/Mazda. He was one of my favorite Managers to work with during my 35 years in the business. He was always happy go lucky and just a joy to work with. My son, John Ottman, also worked with him as a lot attendant and had so much fun with him. He was always very patient and fair with all the young ones coming up in the field. We feel so sad for your family in losing your beloved Jerry. Our prayers are with you in this very sad time.
October 16, 2016
Gerry, my friend... I am sure going to miss those great chats that you, and I, and Don Dority used to have at Starbucks... As one former car salesman to another, your friendship was, and still is, greatly appreciated on my part.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Jerry Kush's name
Memorial Events
for Jerry Kush
People and places connected with Jerry
Vancouver, WA
The Columbian
Recent Obituaries
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jerry Kush's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
