Gerald Alan Boas (Jerry) died on May 15, 2014, of a swift and sudden heart attack while playing golf at Sea Island, Ga., with his “200 Club” golf pals.
Jerry was born to Henry and Catherine Boas on Nov. 14, 1933, in Philadelphia, Penn. He attended high school in El Monte, Calif., and then went on to the University of the Redlands where he graduated in 1956.
Jerry was active in sports from an early age. He played competitive tennis in high school and was on the Redlands tennis team, holding two national titles. While in the Army he was on the Fort Ord tennis team and was champion of the All Army tournament and also 6th Army champion. He continued to play recreational tennis for many years, but gave up competition to have more time for his family and his career. His three children—Greg, Nancy and Vicki—were involved in many sports: swimming, water polo, volleyball, soccer, tennis and softball. Jerry was a frequent coach or assistant coach or a spectator who never missed a game or match. He spent many happy hours teaching his children, their friends and even Beverly how to play tennis on their home court in Flintridge, Calif. Inheriting his passion for tennis, his daughter, Vicki, followed in his footsteps and became a collegiate player at Boise State University. In support of her team and interest in tennis, Jerry became the primary contributor of the indoor tennis center. It is now called the Boas Tennis and Soccer Center.
After his stint in the Army, Jerry joined Bank of America in 1958 as an executive trainee, and in 1961 he came to the Los Angeles headquarters in the corporate banking division. It was there that he met Beverly, and they were married on Nov. 9, 1962. In 1983, Security Pacific Bank hired Jerry to form a warehousing division as part of its merchant bank effort. He worked previously as executive vice president of Lawrence Systems Inc., the largest collateral administration company in the U.S. Jerry acquired this division, which became Field Warehousing Corp., from Security Pacific in 1988. In 2006, Jerry sold Field Warehousing Corp. and continued to consult until 2011.
During this period of time, Jerry developed some ankle problems and had to curtail his tennis. This was just another opportunity for him, and he took up golf with a vengeance. Winters got a little long in Ketchum without his tennis, so Jerry and Beverly spent winters in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at The Springs Golf and Country Club where golf became a year-round sport. Jerry still loved and followed tennis, and he and Beverly attended the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament regularly.
After retirement, Jerry and Beverly traveled extensively. Many of their trips included golf adventures on some of the most beautiful courses in the United States, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, France and Scotland.
Jerry served on the boards of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, The Valley Club, The Springs Golf and Country Club, and the “200 Club.” He was a faithful member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ketchum.
He greatly enjoyed golf and all his great friends at The Valley Club. He loved the competition of the sport but most of all he loved the camaraderie with “the guys.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Catherine Boas (California); his brother, Henry Boas (California); his beautiful little granddaughter, Skylar Johnston (Hailey, Idaho); and his son-in-law, Todd Johnston (Hailey).
His survivors include his wife, Beverly; his son, Gregory and his wife, Megan Boas (Truckee, Calif.); his daughter, Nancy and her husband, Mark Thomas (Naalehu, Hawaii); and his youngest daughter, Victoria Johnston (Hailey). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Morgan and Heather Boas; Kane, Jade and Kaleb Thomas; and Logan and Karley Johnston.
Jerry was a kind and generous man. He was the epitome of a gentleman in all aspects of his life on the court and on the course. He gave not only of his treasure but also of his time and of himself. He had a warm smile for all who came his way. He was honorable in his business dealings, and fair play was his watchword. We will miss him.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at St. Thomas Church in Ketchum at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Animal Shelter, Hospice or St. Thomas church.
