Jerry Franklin Whitbeck, 79, died on February 2, 2017, on Lopez Island, WA, from heart disease. Jerry was born on October 19, 1937, in Seattle, WA, to Jimmy Franklin Whitbeck and Bernice Estelle Marshall Whitbeck. The family moved to Orondo, WA, where he spent his youth. Jerry graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1955, then started college at Washington State University. While attending WSU he met his wife, Shirley Irene Wirt. They were happily married on January 18, 1958, and celebrated 59 wonderful years. Jerry graduated with a degree in Mathematics from WSU in 1960.

He began his career in Wenatchee, WA after graduation, where he traveled throughout Eastern Washington. In 1960, Jerry and Shirley welcomed into the world their first child, daughter Lynn Marie Whitbeck. And in 1963, their second child David James Whitbeck was born.

In 1969, Jerry accepted a position in Seattle, WA, and the family moved to Bellevue, WA. Jerry’s career expanded, and building upon his experience he purchased his own company in 1981. His daughter Lynn joined him at work after college, followed by his son David, daughter-in-law Suzanne, and finally wife Shirley. In 1995 Jerry wanted a new challenge and opened the construction business, Southern Exposure, with his good friend Don LaPlant.

Jerry was an avid sportsman and loved hunting, fishing, and crabbing. He added skeet and trap shooting to his long list of hobbies in 1973. Jerry excelled at skeet and became a regular on the competition circuit. He had many other interests. Jerry served as a coach for David’s little league team, which he enjoyed for many years. He loved boating and water skiing, teaching both Lynn and David how to water ski. The family spent summer vacation for many years in Kelowna, BC, enjoying beautiful lake Okanogan. In 1975 he introduced snow skiing to the family, and the family enjoyed wonderful trips to the slopes.

Upon semi-retirement on Lopez Island, WA, Jerry continued to work on construction projects, including building his own home. He was active in the community. For many years Jerry would be on the grill for the Independence Day salmon barbecue. Jerry also participated in the parade with his classic 1978 Corvette Pace Car. He volunteered for the Shoal Bay – Swifts Bay Water Association until his death.

We wish to express sincere appreciation to the volunteers of the Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support, and Hospice of the Northwest.

Jerry was preceded in death by his son David James Whitbeck, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Irene; daughter: Lynn Marie Whitbeck of Mill Creek, WA; daughter-in-law: Suzanne Whitbeck of Pacific, WA; granddaughters: Amanda Rose, Rachel Heather, and Francesca Giulia; brother: Jimmy Lee Whitbeck of Roseburg, OR: and sisters: JoAnn McMoran of Post Falls, ID; Linda Sharp of McLean, VA; and Karen Stoffer of Lynden, WA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Evans Funeral Chapel, in Anacortes, WA, at 1105 32nd Street on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support, a non-profit all volunteer organization dedicated to providing hospice and home support services and resources to the Lopez Island community experiencing illness, injury, and/or loss. http://www.lihhs.org/donate.htm.