Gerald "Gerry" Cartwright

Gerald Eugene “Gerry” Cartwright passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Hillsboro, Oregon, at the age of 67.

Gerry was born on February 16, 1959, in Clintonville, Wisconsin, to Ganem and Alice Cartwright. He arrived alongside his twin sister, April, and was the youngest of eleven children in the Cartwright family.

In his youth, the Cartwright family moved from Wisconsin to Prairie City, Oregon, and later settled on Swalley Road in the Tumalo area. Gerry attended Tumalo Elementary School—affectionately known as “Tumalo Tech”—and graduated from Redmond High School in 1977.

Gifted with a natural musical talent, Gerry was an accomplished guitar player and singer. Along with his twin sister April, he performed at county fairs and rural venues throughout Oregon, including appearances at the Oregon State Fair. Music remained one of the great joys of his life and a way he connected with family and friends, especially at the family reunion campouts.

A true cowboy at heart, Gerry embraced the Western way of life. He loved horses and developed a variety of skills and trades that reflected his independent spirit and craftsmanship. He created beautiful leather belts and artwork, worked as a farrier, spent time working cattle on a large ranch in southeastern Oregon, and worked at a floating fishing resort in southern Alaska. He was employed for several years at Bend Millworks.

Eventually, Gerry made his way to western Oregon, settling near family in Scappoose. There he worked in small-engine repair, putting his mechanical abilities and practical know-how to good use.

Gerry will be remembered for his musical talent, his cowboy spirit, his craftsmanship, and the friendships he formed throughout his life. He especially enjoyed the company of the many friends and acquaintances he made at Longfellow’s Inn in Scappoose, where he was a familiar and welcome presence.

Gerry is survived by his sisters, Audrey, Ally, Alta, and April; and his brother, Grant, along with many nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ganem and Alice Cartwright; and by his brothers Ganem Jr. (“Skip”), Gary, Gene, Gale (“Butch”), and Glen.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.