Gerald Doyle and his sister, Betty Joan (Doyle) Vosburgh were raised on an apple orchard in Cashmere, Washington. Their parents also owned a pear orchard at the other end of town which Gerald later purchased and called home for the entirety of his adult life. Deeply connected to the land, Gerald remained committed to orchard stewardship, regularly attending grower meetings throughout the valley to stay informed about advancements in the field.
Despite facing ongoing health challenges and never marrying, Gerald was known for his unique sense of humor and independent spirit. His dedication to agriculture remained constant, and even after selling his orchard, he ensured he could continue living there for as long as possible.
In his later years, as he began to experience dementia, his niece, Mary Kayser—Betty’s youngest child—stepped in to oversee his care, eventually helping with his transition to Wenatchee. When Gerald passed away in 2024, he left his entire estate to his sister, Betty.
In honor of Gerald’s lifelong commitment to the land and the agricultural community, Betty chose to establish a scholarship in his name. With guidance from Mary, a Washington State University alumna and student of WSU Extension for vineyard management, the family partnered with WSU’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee to create a lasting legacy. This scholarship will support future students dedicated to advancing research and innovation in tree fruit agriculture.
Award Requirements:
The distributions from this Fund shall be used provide a scholarship for a student studying in tree fruit disciplines at the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, WA. One scholarship is to be awarded each year. Funds can be used for tuition and fees, research expenses, and educationally related costs.