Gerald Ellis Albright was born July 9, 1927 to Galen and Etta Albright. He died Nov. 23, 2011 and is buried is Kohlerlawn Cemetery, Nampa, ID.
Lt. Albright served with the U.S. Army in World War II serving in Japan for two years.
His Obituary:
Gerald Ellis Albright passed away at his home on November 23, 2011, due to complications from an extended illness.
Services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 2:00 p.m., at the Church of the Brethren, 11030 Orchard Ave, Nampa, Idaho. Visitation is at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Nampa.
Ellis was born July 9, 1927, on his family farm in Eldora, Iowa, to Galen and Etta Albright. He was the youngest of five boys. His birth mother died just before his 3rd birthday, and one year later, his stepmother, Gertrude, joined the family and became the only mother to Ellis' memory. A big part of his childhood included daily farm chores before and after school, along with helping his father with a corn shelling business.
Ellis' father was also a minister and the family was active in their local church. They were all very musical and the handsome five Albright boys in particular became well known in the area as they often entertained by singing for miscellaneous church, community and family events.
Ellis graduated from Eldora High School in 1945, and joined the Army, serving overseas for 2 years in Japan. Then, he enrolled and later graduated from McPherson College in Kansas where he also met and married Miriam Keim. Ellis worked at the Wall-Rogalsky Flour Mill in McPherson, until Miriam graduated from college. In 1953, they moved to Nampa, Idaho, Miriam's home town, and the place Ellis would adopt and feel at home for life. They spent the next 5 years busily bringing their 4 children into the world!
Ellis took his first job as an advertising salesman for KFXD radio, and at the same time but a few years later, also completed auctioneering school in Mason City, Iowa. This transitioned him into his next and lifelong careers in real estate and auctioneering. He worked for Snake River Valley Real Estate and Insurance Company, both as a realtor and auctioneer with a focus on farm sales. He later moved to Schoen Realty, and eventually became a broker and owner of Albright Realty for many years, and then retired from Meyer and Company.
During this time Ellis also formed partnerships in the auction business. His most memorable times were found with Bud Grant who would eventually help dub Ellis "the Colonel", a title that was well earned and regarded in the auctioneering business. Ellis also greatly appreciated his association with Roger Baker/Baker Auction Company. For many years Ellis offered his skills in charity to the annual Marsing, Melba and Wilder community auctions.
In 2004, Ellis was asked to be grand marshal in the Melba 4th of July Parade, and he very proudly participated in that event. He also spent many years volunteering his services at the Canyon and Ada county fair 4-H auctions, the Basque lamb auctions, the Canyon county Mental Health auction, and golf calcuttas at the Broadmore Country Club.
Ellis was actively involved in his community that he loved so much. He spent many years of service for civic and other local organizations. He presided over many, including the Nampa City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Nampa Club, Caldwell Lions Club, Nampa Board of Realtors, and Nampa Jaycee's where he chaired and raised funds for the "Keep Idaho Green" campaign and was awarded the Jaycee's distinguished service award. Also through the Jaycee's he volunteered to work at the Snake River Stampede for many years, something he greatly enjoyed. Ellis was also active in his local church.
Early on, he chaired the Treasure Valley Heifer project which sent the first shipment of dairy heifers from this area to Japan. Ellis also spent time with a brother and two other church members, in the Jubilaires Barbershop Quartet, and entertained at many events through his joy of singing. He also made time to bowl for many years on a league, played on a local baseball team, raised and sold pigs and cattle, and joined the "Jolley Boys", an investment group of Nampa and Caldwell businessmen. It seems that their "investments" may have included steelhead fishing on the Salmon River and treating their wives to an annual dinner banquet! Ellis also served for 9 years as a Trustee on the Nampa School Board – just long enough to personally hand each of his children their diplomas at their high school graduations.
In later years, Ellis was active in the Nampa Elks and spent a stint as their Exalted Ruler. He was a tried and true Chicago Cubs fan, and could often be seen with a radio by his side to listen in on the games. He also liked to follow the Nampa Bulldogs and the University of Idaho Vandals and would listen or watch the games whenever possible.
Ellis enjoyed life and lived it well. He was a good friend to many, but most of all he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Although he gave his time freely, he was always committed to his family – dedicating special time for vacations and many family events that will never be forgotten. Memorable times also include singing and poem writing – Ellis always had a song to sing or wrote a special poem that was right for any occasion! He never missed a party if he could help it. He taught his family many lasting lessons – to love God and family, to work hard, give freely, and foster relationships with friends. For this his wife and children will be forever grateful.
Ellis is survived by Miriam, his wife of 60 years, his children – Susan Peterson (Bill), Jane Baxter (Tom), Scott Albright (Kelli) and Kay Harwood (Kirk), 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two brothers, Miles and Dave (Ann), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers (Wayne and Lyle).
Source: ancestry.com
