The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Jerrold Samuel Florek, 51, of Cathlamet, passed away September 3, 2010 as the result of a logging accident.

He was born August 4, 1959 to Joseph, Sr. and Corliss (Sotka) Florek in Longview.

Jerrold attended school in Cathlamet and graduated in 1977 from Wahkiakum High School.

He worked as a timber faller, starting the profession when he was 15 years old. He spent two and a half years working as a roughneck in the Oklahoma Oil fields in the early 1980s. He traveled to New Zealand 20 years ago to work as a timber faller there for six months and he also worked in Alaska and the Shelton area before finding his way back home to Cathlamet. He was the manager of the Florek farm and estate, tending to the cows and hay fields and his mother's garden.

Jerrold had a fine sense of humor; you couldn't help but smile while you were in his presence, he had a way about him that made everyone feel special. As rugged as he was, he had a tender spot for children, animals and family. He was a strong man with a gentle heart.

He was a proud uncle who had taught his nieces and nephews how to drive--first on the farm tractor. He attended all of their sporting events and was one of their biggest fans.

Jerrold enjoyed going to auctions, swap meets and garage sales. He usually was buying things to give to others. He enjoyed going to the Mule football games, clam digging and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed shopping for the family's annual white elephant Christmas gift and he usually bought the best gift.

Jerrold's enthusiasm for life, his generous heart and spirit will be missed by his family, friends and community.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Florek, Sr. (2002) and his nephew Justin Florek (2009).

He is survived by his mother, Corliss Florek and siblings Joe Florek, Jr., and Martha; John Florek and Geri; Jim Florek and Susan; Carolyn Ream and Ken; Kathy Tarabochia and Dan; Ken Florek and Jeanette; and Kristy Florek as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing will take place at Dowling Funeral Home, 45 Broadway, Cathlamet 3-7 p.m. on September 9 and 10 and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on September 11. before a 3 p.m. graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood Road, Cathlamet. Casual attire is encouraged. A finger food potluck will follow the service at J.A. Wendt Elementary School, 265 S3rd Street.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at the Bank of the Pacific, PO Box 337, Cathlamet, WA 98612 for the Wahkiakum Mules Football Program.