Jesse Austin Trader

Jesse Austin Trader, age 19, of Albany, the miracle baby of Ted & Gigi Trader, passed away while fighting fires in Merlin.

The water tanker he was driving rolled down an embankment, instantly killing Jesse. Even at the end he was trying to protect other truckers. Jesse was doing the job he was called to do, fighting fires. He had just been accepted to Chemeketa Community College, where he was going to study to be an emergency medical technician; previously he had been at Western Oregon University.

Jesse was a great kid, a fine athlete, a person who never said no, and a beautiful, loving, caring and giving man.

He loved baseball, hunting, and fishing, but most of all loved his family. He is the loving brother of Desiree and Jacob Trader.

A service to honor Jesse’s life was held on August 10, 2013 at the West Albany High School football field. As a tribute to Jesse, the family requested that guests were Red Sox attire or red, white and blue.

Jesse will be truly missed. He is now in God’s arms.