Gerald Richard ‘Jerry’ Bouvia

 Gerald Richard “Jerry” Bouvia, 84, lived an inspiring life dedicated to loving, supporting, and helping others. His legacy is one defined by his devotion to God and family, strong work ethic and integrity, and generosity to both strangers and loved ones. 

 Born on May 21, 1942, in Pocatello, Idaho, he was the first child and son of Laverne and Helen Bouvia. 

 Jerry graduated from Nampa High School in 1961. From a young age, Jerry loved being outdoors. He spent summers in McCall with his grandparents, worked on the farm, and, as a teenager, began working for the Forest Service. His love of hunting, fishing, hiking, and Idaho’s mountains stayed with him throughout his life.

 In August 1962, Jerry met Jessie May Webb while cruising the streets of Nampa. It was love at first sight, and they were married on Nov. 2, 1962. The two of them shared 64 loving years together, and Jerry was incredibly proud of their marriage and the life they built side by side.

 Jerry and Jessie moved to Weiser in 1964, where they raised their two children, Kevin and Michelle. 

 Jerry has always possessed an admirable work ethic and business savvy mindset. He worked a variety of jobs before starting Bouvia Mobile Homes with Jessie in 1983. Together, they built the company into a successful business before selling the retail center in 1998 and retiring.

 Jerry was also deeply committed to his community and helping others. He volunteered with the Weiser Fire Department and Sheriff’s Posse for more than 20 years and was part of the team that helped rescue people from the Washington Hotel fire in 1975.

 While Jerry accomplished much in his career and community, his greatest joy was his family. He was a proud dad and grandfather who rearranged schedules, traveled countless miles, and never wanted to miss a game, race, tournament, or dance performance. He and Jessie spent years traveling around Idaho, Oregon, and across the country to cheer on their children and grandchildren. He loved watching the people he loved do what they loved.

 Jerry’s passion for the outdoors was something he proudly passed down to his family. He spent countless days hunting and fishing with his children, grandchildren, friends, and family, and every fall you could find him at the cabin in New Meadows preparing for another hunting season. Whether he came home with a fish or a successful hunt was never really the point – Jerry loved the experience, the stories, and most of all, sharing it with the people he loved.

 Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Jessie; his children, Kevin (Sally) Bouvia and Michelle (Rick) Estes; grandchildren, Nicole Bouvia, Lauren Bouvia, Emma (Brendan) Wood, Andrea Bouvia, Justin (Lauren) Estes, and Levi (Katelynn) Estes; great-granddaughter Elaine Ann Wood; sisters Renee (Otto) Rast, Sandi (Milton) Coon, and Charlene (the late Kelly) Kromenhoek; uncle, David (Jennifer) Neider; and numerous extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

 Jerry leaves behind a lifetime of stories, a family who will carry on his love of the outdoors and adventure, and a lasting impact shaped by faith, hard work, service, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed, but we know he is finally home with Jesus.

 Family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at Weiser Community Church, located at 240 E. Main Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Love INC of Washington County and the Weiser Elks Lodge.