Gerald "Jerry" Bruce Dilley passed away Dec. 7, 2013. He was born May 25, 1947, in Caldwell, Idaho, to M. Clyde and Virginia (Fitch) Dilley. He attended Caldwell schools graduating in 1966.

After spending time in Vietnam he returned to Idaho and worked in the mines at Kellogg, Ind. Returning to Caldwell, he worked driving for the ambulance service. This sparked his interest in medicine and he graduated in the first class of Canyon County paramedics.

In 1978, he met and later married Pat Schoen, combining their families to make five children. At this time he also started his own business, Superior Blasting, Inc. Two of his boys later joined him in this endeavor, one as a driller and one as a powder man.

In 1984, he became a member of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE). In 1997, he became an original, investor and board member of Northwest Energetic Services, a new company in Oregon that sold and distributed explosive products. This provided Jerry and Pat numerous trips to Alaska, Hawaii and other areas of the U.S.

For many years, Jerry and his crew spent the Fourth of July providing a fireworks display for the city of Caldwell. In 2002, Jerry was surprised and honored to receive the Blaster's Leadership Award from the ISEE. Along with his wife Pat, he is survived by 5 children: Gina Dilley, David Dilley, Dave (Holly) Schoen, Danny (Maria) Schoen and Debra Gates. He is also survived by brothers Harlan Dilley and Mike Dilley; four sisters Gloria Corn, Karen Soran, Patricia Ringer and Candie (Cliff) Burdine; ten grandchildren Tyler Schoen, Megan Schoen, Bradley Dilley, Austin Fusselman, Kristina Dilley, Makayla Schoen, Karley Fusselman, Alisha Dilley, Grady Gates and Gentry Gates; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Everyone that knew him considered him a friend. A special thank you to doctors Randall Hutchings; Michael Mallea; Steven Writer; Christopher Sjoberg, CNP; Dr. Otto and the white team at Meridian Elks Wound Care. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

A viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Canyon Hill Church of the Nazarene, Caldwell; interment will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell. Condolences can be made at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com.