Gerald O. Hawley Jr

Gerald “Gerry” O. Hawley was born on December 12, 1926 in Everett, WA to Gerald and Verla (Slater) Hawley, both of Arlington, WA. He attended school in Arlington and graduated from high school in December of 1943. Gerry joined the U.S. Navy in January, 1944 and was honorably discharged in May of 1946 after his service aboard the U.S.S. Blackfish in the submarine service. After his graduation with a degree in Forestry from the University of Washington in 1949, Gerry worked as a tree farm manager for five years. He was responsible for overseeing all phases of forestry, from logging to re-forestation on approximately 10 thousand acres of timber land. In 1954, Gerry left the forestry industry and moved to Bellingham to manage operations for Lind Gravel. He later became a partner manager of Tri-County Paving Co. During the same period, he became a partner in a masonry supply company, Brick and Stone Supply, in Skagit County. In 1966, after divesting interest in Tri-County Paving and Brick and Stone Supply, he entered the employment of Lone Star Industries as a territory cement salesperson. In 1968, he was transferred to Oregon as a district sales manager, then back to Seattle in 1972 as division sales manager for OR, WA, and AK. He was promoted in 1981 to vice president of sales of Lone Star Industries for the 13 western states, headquartered in the Bay Area of CA. Gerry retired from Lone Star in 1986 and returned to WA to live in Birch Bay. Gerry was a longtime member of First Congregational Church in Bellingham. He was involved in many organizations throughout his life, including the Elks, Lions, U of W Alumni, American Legion, Vets of Foreign Wars, Yacht Club, and Bellingham Golf and County Club. Gerry enjoyed golfing, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a square dancer. He was a noted caller in the area, having called for clubs in Bellingham, Seattle, and Portland, and many festivals and conventions. Gerry is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Patti, of 35 years; three daughters, Marilyn (Bob) Welch of Mt. Vernon, Colleen (Rodger) Wright of Beaverton, OR, and Diane (John) Welch of Blaine; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents; daughter, Janice Zollman, and brother, Glen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 2:00pm at First Congregational Church (2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerry’s name to Whatcom Hospice House (2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225) or to a charity of your choice.

Gerald O. Hawley Jr

December 12, 1926 - March 20, 2017