Gerard (Jerry) Hallee was born in Waterville ME on Oct. 13, 1940, the son of Florian F. and Constance (Tardiff) Hallee. He was raised on the family dairy farm and graduated from Waterville High School in 1959. After attending M.I.T. on a full scholarship, he relocated to southern California where he obtained degrees in physics and engineering mathematics from West Coast University School of Engineering and started a career as a computer programmer and analyst.
In 1971, Jerry married Karen Torbergson of Seattle WA and later relocated to Snohomish WA. They had two sons, Justin Hallee of Longview WA and Steven Hallee of Lake Stevens WA.
Jerry was a passionate and talented bridge player. After moving to Los Angeles, Jerry caught the eye of legendary player Paul Soloway, who was impressed with a defensive play Jerry made. The two formed a partnership and won a national pair event in 1963. They later won the Vanderbilt Knockout Teams in 1969, playing with John Swanson and Richard Walsh. They placed second in the Wernher Open Pairs that same year.
Jerry quit playing bridge in the early ’70s to devote himself to his career and to his family.
After the death of his wife in 2014, Jerry semi-retired and moved to Portland OR. He began to play bridge again and met his bridge and life partner, Leslie Kelinson. “I was so lucky to be his companion for five years,” said Leslie.
Jerry advanced from the ranking of Silver Life Master in 2016 to Diamond Life Master at the time of his death. He was often the strongest player in the room, quiet and respectful to all.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his wife Karen, and his brother, Neal D. (Peggy) Hallee of Auburn ME. He is survived by his sons, Justin (Vashti) and Steven, his partner, Leslie Kelinson, brothers, Alan P. (Linnea) Hallee of Nashua NH and Gary J. Hallee of Seattle WA, as well as his sisters, Claudette L. (Pearly) Simpson of Waterville ME and Lori A. Saleski (John Slusarz) of New Boston NH, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.
