Dick G.B. Jonas

Dick Gerrit Bastiaan Jonas went to be home with his Savior on November 7, 2022 after battling congestive heart failure. He was born in Arnhem, The Netherlands in February 1949 to Bastiaan and Jacoba Jonas. He had one older sister, Irene Jonas Streutker. When Dick was a young boy, the family immigrated to the United States ultimately settling on the West Coast.

Dick grew up in Redlands, California and upon graduating from high school joined the Navy serving four years during the Vietnam conflict. After returning home, he married Mae Sue Neely in February 1973. They began married life in Southern California, but soon moved to the Pacific Northwest, which became their home, and where their three children, Lisa, Matthew, and Kristen, were born.

Outgoing, adventurous, and joking describe Dick’s personality. He appreciated spending long hours visiting with others. He would often get out to enjoy nature, whether it was hiking, a drive in the country or a motorcycle ride. The electrical power industry was Dick’s profession, working as a substation operator, hydroelectric operator, and as a system dispatcher at a power grid dispatch center.

Dick gave his life to Christ in the late 1970s and strove to live out his beliefs in all aspects of his life. He was a generous man, empathetic to those struggling. Whether a new acquaintance or a long-time friend, he was always ready to share the love of Christ with others in word and deed.

His wife, Mae, passed away in 2010. Dick is survived by his three children: Lisa Jonas, Matthew Jonas (Rebekah), and Kristen Jonas. He is also survived by his three granddaughters: Willa, Louisa, and Beatrix. The family will celebrate his life in a private ceremony.