Jun. 21, 1927 - Aug. 16, 2017
Date of Service: Sep. 8, 2017
Gerald Deronda Hyde, 90, passed gently from this life into the next on August 16, 2017 in Payson, UT. We are immensely grateful for the impact his good life has had on ours and are joyful that he has been reunited with his eternal companion, Shirlee.
Jerry was born on June 21, 1927, in Pocatello, ID, the firstborn son of Milton Deronda and Mildred Yvonne Gregory Hyde. He grew up with a hunting rifle in one hand and a fishing pole in the other. After moving to Rupert, ID in 1933, he and his younger brother, Ronny, were practically inseparable as they combed the hills of Minidoka County, searching for the next jack rabbit or secret fishing hole. As a teenager, Jerry picked up the tenor saxophone and discovered a talent that would become an important part of his life for many years.
In 1945, Jerry graduated from Rupert High School and immediately enlisted in the Navy, eager to serve his country. He spent the final months of WWII serving "bravely behind a typewriter" in Washington DC. Following the war, he was still anxious to serve, but this time as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexican Mission from 1948-1951.
Jerry attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated in 1954 with a degree in marketing. While a student he was bandleader of the popular campus dance band, The Skyliners. In the Fall of 1956, he got a call from Nellissa Jeannette Crowley who wanted to book his band for a dance. They were married 6 weeks later in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on December 20, 1956.
In 1962, Jerry moved his young family to Everett, WA where he worked as a General Manager for New York Life Insurance Company for the next 24 years. He fell in love with the Northwest and had many cherished experiences with his wife and 5 kids on the family boat, the "HYDE OUT," fishing for salmon and exploring the San Juan Islands. Always an avid hunter, Jerry made numerous big game excursions to Alaska, Canada, and Central America.
His faith was always of utmost importance, and he served in many capacities through the years, including as a bishop twice, a high councilor, and perhaps his most favorite calling as a stake missionary.
After 31 years, his first marriage regrettably ended. He later married Shirlee Jean Bostic Shipley in the Seattle LDS Temple on March 4, 1988. Their happy marriage lasted for 26 years until Shirlee's passing on November 20, 2014.
Jerry is survived by his brother, Ron (Mary Helen) Hyde of Orem, UT; his 5 children: Greg (Shirley) Hyde of Lufkin, TX; Gordon (Michelle) Hyde of Tulsa, OK; Nicia (Matt) Whitaker of Orem, UT; Nicci (John) Renouard of South Jordan, UT; and Garrick (Ginger) Hyde of South Jordan, UT; his 3 stepsons Greg Shipley of Granite Falls, WA; Brian (Melissa) Shipley of Monroe, WA; and Todd (Brittany) Shipley of Saratoga Springs, UT; as well as 32 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His stepson Kurt (Elaine) Shipley preceded him in death.
A memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 2 PM at the LDS Meetinghouse, 155 W 1600 S, Orem, UT 84058. A graveside dedication will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Pleasant View Cemetery, Burley, ID where he is buried next to his sweetheart Shirlee.
Funeral Service
Date of Service: Sep. 8, 2017
