Gerald "Jerry" Mac Belnap

Gerald Mac Belnap (Jerry), age 76, passed away on June 25, 2018, surrounded by family at the University of Utah Medical Center. He was born on November 16, 1941, in Ontario, Oregon to Mac and Ethel Belnap. He grew up in Weiser and Meridian Idaho, and graduated from Meridian High School in 1959. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada, Western Canadian Mission.
Upon returning from his mission, Jerry enrolled at BYU to study animal husbandry. While at BYU, he met the love of his life, Mary Kathryn Taylor. They were married for time and all eternity on September 2, 1964 in the Los Angeles Temple.
Jerry was a farmer extraordinaire. He spent a good portion of his career as a dairy farmer. He farmed in McFarland, CA, Vale, OR, Spring Lake, UT, Lewiston, UT and Boistfort, WA. At the end of his career, he was the foreman (on-site farmer) at the Jensen Historical Farm (now known as the American West Heritage Center) in Wellsville, UT. That is where Jerry grew out that white beard and stood in for Santa on many occasions. For the last thirteen years, Jerry, Mary Kay and Bryden have lived in Olympia Washington, raising dogs, rabbits, chickens and grandkids. What else would a farmer do when he retires?
Jerry’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He loved being surrounded by family and was always there for any event, big or small. Jerry was a hard, honest worker and was always available to serve his neighbor. On many occasions, he and Mary Kay opened their home to young people who needed a place to stay and a family to love them. This, in essence, allowed them to multiply their family by “adopting” a few more children.
Jerry is survived by his wife; Mary Kay, and 8 children; Jeri Kay (Stephen), Scott, Darin (Kellee), Sandy (Daren), Kyle (Tracy), Barbi (Justin), Manu (Sterling) and Bryden. Jerry and Mary Kay have 29 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way! He is also survived by his stepmother; Fern Belnap, siblings; Bonnie Jess, Sharon Syme, Carl Belnap, Beverly Hayes & Edith Belnap.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 6 at 10 am at the LDS Chapel located on 30 South Center Street, Wellsville, UT 84339. There will also be a memorial held in Jerry’s honor in Olympia Washington at a later date to be determined.