Jay Delano Delzer

July 26, 1934-November 29, 2020

Wenatchee, Washington

Our dear Husband, Father, and Grandfather Jay Delano Delzer, age 86, passed into the Heavenly arms of his Lord and Savior on November 29th, 2020. He passed with his loving wife and children at his side.

Born in Wenatchee, WA on July 26th, 1934 to John and Virginia Delzer, Jay attended Leavenworth Schools, graduating from Leavenworth High School in 1952. He then continued his education at the State College of Washington in Pullman, WA, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1956.

During his college years, he worked summers for the Forest Service, including his all-time favorite at French Ridge lookout. He played the trumpet in the ROTC band at games and parades.

During his college days, he worked summers for the Forest Service in various places in Washington State including his all-time favorite at French Ridge Lookout. Jay described how he came to work at this Lookout: "Dad was the son of German immigrants who managed to raise a good family with hard work and very little money. At an early age, his dad quite school so he could go to work in the surrounding orchards. He often urged my brother and me to get a good education and when the time arrived, I had decided to enroll at Washington State College. Money was scarce and the cost of one year there was $900, a lot of money to us. Orchard jobs were paying 0.75 cents an hour and they bored me. I applied for work with the Forest Service and was elated when they hired me. After a short period of training, French Ridge Lookout in the headwaters of the Icicle River was assigned to me...There was only one trip back to civilization for me that summer. The Cold Was was distracting President Eisenhower and all the rest of us."

Jay married his college sweetheart, Arlene McDonald in 1955, and then moved to Selah, WA for his first teaching position in Social Studies, English, P.E, and coaching football. They then moved with their four children to Ellensburg, WA, making a career change as a purchaser for the Telephone Company. Jay then moved to Wenatchee in the early 1980’s, working for Wells and Wade in the purchasing department.

Jay’s favorite stories were centered around growing up ski jumping, fishing, and hiking – which his cousin Gene Staley introduced him to the high lakes surrounding Leavenworth. Jay shared his love of hiking with his children and grandkids.

Jay was an amateur ham radio operator. In the later years, he was found singing with the Apollo Club and church choirs. He enjoyed WSU football games with his brother Kermit. Jay was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wenatchee.

Jay is survived by his wife Arlene Delzer, daughters, sons, and grandchildren:

Sharon (Mike) Fries: Amber, Aaron (Briana), and Kyle Fries of East Wenatchee, WA.; Duane (Lori) Delzer of Tarija, Bolivia South America: Joy of Dallas, TX, Amanda of Potoai, Bolivia, Hannah (Izaac) Injeti, Rebecca of Las Vegas, NV.; Janette (Jacques) Ollivier of Thorp, WA: Joseph (Jane), and Jordan Ollivier of Thorp, WA.; Donald (Jennifer) Delzer of Beaverton, OR: Timothy, and Benjamin Delzer of Beaverton, OR. And five great grandchildren: Izaiah, Elias, Malachi, Lukas Fries, and Jamie Ollivier

He is also survived by many cousins and friends, especially in the Wenatchee area. Jay was preceded in death by his parents John and Virginia Delzer, as well as his brother Kermit Delzer.

A memorial service will be held on December 18th, 2020 at 11:00am at the Foothills Foursquare Church: 315 S. Mission Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801. A graveside service will follow at 1:00pm at the Leavenworth Mountain View Cemetery on Cemetery Road. Due to Covid regulation, masks and social distancing is required.

A special thank you to all the staff at Blossom Valley Assisted Living Center for their loving care and support of our previous husband and father. Also, a thank you to the Hospice Nurses for all their care for Jay.