Gerardo Rios

Gerardo (Jerry) Lopez Rios of Yakima, WA suffered an untimely passing on 10/10/2015 as a result of a motor vehicle accident with a Moose in Anchorage, AK. He was a beloved father who left us at 45 years of age. Gerardo was born in Colima, Mexico and was educated in California and Washington. His devoted parents moved their family to Yakima and he completed his education there and started his own family, surrounded by siblings and a large extended family. Gerardo was enjoying his life dream of living and working in Alaska at the time of his death. He spent his weekends and free time hunting, fishing, mining for gold, and befriending all those whose paths crossed with his. Gerardo had a passion for baseball. He enjoyed playing as a young man and was excited to pitch at each game he played up until his last years. He also passed on his love for the game to each of his children. He loved his family. Gerardo loved everybody around him and was an excellent example of character. He was a hero to many people whether he literally saved their life, taught them life lessons, and/or set an example for future generations--all while simply being himself. Gerardo lived his life to the fullest. He spent his life riding bulls in rodeos, fighting wild fires, rescuing people from drowning, hunting moose in Alaska, skydiving, scuba diving and snowboarding. He traveled many places throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. He was very adventurous and was not afraid to live his life. Of all of his life accomplishments Gerardo treasured his family and children above all. He coined the word "proud" as his sentiment towards his family and said it often. Very often. He is loved dearly and will be missed by all. Survived by Jolene Rios (The love of his life); (Children) Gabriel (Ollintzin), Adriana, Isaac; (Unborn granddaughter) Eleonora (Parents) Aurelio & Reynalda Rios; (Siblings) Maria, Robert (Maribel), Guadalupe (Daniel), Caesar; (Numerous Uncles, Aunts, Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and Friends and his dog Lia). Viewing will be Sunday October 18th from 3-7pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Cathedral Monday October 19th at 10:00 am with graveside services following at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers that donations be considered and paid to Valley Hills Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses. Public visitation is planned for Sunday from 3-7PM at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerardo Rios, please visit our flower store.