Jerome William Gadwood

Jerome "Jerry" William Gadwood, 74 years old, of Saugus California, passed away on June 22, 2017.

Jerry was born in Los Angeles, California to John and Harriett Gadwood on November 11, 1943. He went to Verdugo Hills High School in Tejunga, CA and then went on to Glendale City College.

After working as a salesman for other companies, for the last 25+, Jerry owned his own business, selling all manner of packaging supplies; boxes, foam, labels - you name it. His business took him all over the northern L.A. area and San Fernando Valley where he had grown up and where his amiable personality and integrity as a salesman ensured many of his business associations became close, personal friends.

Anyone who knew Jerry also knew he was an avid baseball fan. He played as a kid, and with friends through adulthood. And being an L.A. native, he was a diehard Dodger fan ever since the team arrived in Los Angeles and he saw them play at the Los Angeles Colosseum in 1958. And for as much as they made it a little frustrating to be a fan some seasons, Jerry stuck with them.

Jerry also loved animals and wildlife, with a special affinity for wildcats like jaguars, tigers and leopards. Animals were always a part of his life; cats, dogs and even horses and a bunny, each one having a special place in his heart. But, it was his love and interest in wild felines that led him to a wild feline preservation center in the California high desert where he met his wife and began what was to be a 20+ year adventure. In 1998, his devotion to wildlife and wild feline preservation was recognized when Jerry was honored with the Felitarian Award from the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond, California.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Camille, as well as two nieces, and a grandniece. Jerry will be fondly and lovingly remembered by those whom he always treated as close family and lifelong friends.

We Love You and will Miss You.

Memorial donations may be made to the following organizations:

American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center at PO Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8001; www.lung.org

Exotic Feline Breeding Compound at 3718 60th Street West, Rosamond CA 93560; www.wildcatzoo.org

Lake View Terrace American Baptist Church at 11901 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace CA 91342; www.lakeviewterracebaptistchurch.org