Gerald Lewis Selde

Gerald Lewis Selde, son of Archie Edwin and Mary Lee (Cochran) Selde, was born Oct. 25, 1939, in Seattle, Wash., and passed away Feb. 1, 2024, under hospice care in Longview at the age of 84.

During the summer of 1947 the family moved to Davenport, Wash., where in the fall he entered the third grade. Among his high school activities he lettered in both basketball and baseball.

Gerald joined the Naval Reserved in November of his senior year. Upon graduating in 1957, at age 17, he began active duty as a “Sea Bee” in the Navy’s amphibious and mobile construction battalions. He received recognition for being instrumental in designing a cantilevered scaffolding which was more economical, convenient and safer than previously used. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

Gerald attended Washington State University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Education in 1968, and a Master of Science in Vocational Technical Education in 1974. While attending WSU, Gerald met Wendy Brickert. They were married July 5, 1968.

A 30-year member of Phi Delta Kappa, Gerald was also a lifetime member of the Association of Career and Technical Education. His teaching experiences included high school, university and community college. As a community college vocational instructor, Gerald supervised the coordination of courses for Washington State trade and industrial programs, the industrial maintenance technology degree programs and a pulp and paper making technology degree program.

Gerald’s adult service in the Boy Scouts of America took on many hats. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the youth and community on joint projects district wide. He was an assistant scout master, unit commissioner and recipient of the Award of Merit and Silver Beaver.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kay Adams; and a nephew, David Brickert.

He is survived by Wendy Selde, his wife of 55 years; a son, Ryan Selde of Kelso; a sister, Arch Elee Oakshott of Lewiston, Idaho; two brothers-in-law, Brian Brickert (Chriss) of Shelton, Wash., and Michael Brickert (Diane) of Wise River, Mont.; two nieces, Christine Oakshott-Mitchell (Michael) of Shoreline, Wash., and Rya Oakshott-Daines of Colville, Wash.; and a nephew, Dan Brickert of Vancouver.

Memorial donations may be made to The Boy Scouts of America at donations.scouting.org; Richard Nau Hospice House, 1035 11^th Ave., Longview, WA 98632; or a charity of choice.

A celebration of Gerald’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the First Baptist Church, 747 Wheeler St. in Longview. A reception with a light lunch will follow.