Ernest "Tony" Anthony Gerkman's Obituary
Ernest A. "Tony" Gerkman was born in Oregon City July 7, 1956. He was 67 years of age when he passed away on Nov. 18, 2023. He lived his entire life in Oregon City.
Tony was born with cerebral palsy and spent his entire life in a wheelchair. But he did not let that stop him from living and enjoying life. Everyone who knew him was impressed by his attitude and his smile.
He loved traveling, in earlier years enjoying road-trips with his father, Ernest Gerkman, Sr. In later years he traveled to Hawaii twice. He also loved going to Sunriver and the coast.
At the coast, he truly relished his crabbing experience. Someone would throw the crab ring off the dock for him, tie the rope to his wheelchair and, when it was time, he’d back up his chair and pull the pot up. The smile on his face was priceless with a crab or two in the pot.
Tony was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth (Peggy) in 1967 and his father, Ernest, in 2016.
He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Provencio of Bakersfield, California and Mary Dyal of Prineville, Or. and his brother, Mike Gerkman of Canby, Or. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Two cousins that were very instrumental in his life were Rosalie Swanson of Oregon City and Larry Hanlon of Grants Pass.
His funeral is being handled by Holman Hankins-Bowker & Waud and his service will be at St. John’s Catholic Church in Oregon City at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Oregon City.
What’s your fondest memory of Ernest "Tony"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ernest "Tony"?
Share a story where Ernest "Tony"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ernest "Tony" you’ll never forget.
How did Ernest "Tony" make you smile?