Obituary

Gerald (Jerry) Partlow passed away Sunday, August 13^th, 2023 in Bellingham, Washington after a difficult year of battling several chronic illnesses.

Jerry was born on February 5, 1944 to Gerald A. and Ruby (Crabtree) Partlow in Stockton California. At the age of 9 months, he and his parents moved to Bellingham, Washington as his dad was leaving for war. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1962. After high school, he attended Skagit Valley College and continued to Washington State University, majoring in civil engineering.  During the Vietnam War, Jerry enrolled in the Army Reserves from 1967 to 1972. In 1968, he was hired by Puget Power (Puget Sound Energy) as an electrical engineer and project manager where he worked for 43 years, retiring at the age of 68. He was well liked, appreciated by his coworkers and a mentor to many. In 1969, Jerry purchased his very own new car, a 1969 British racing green Pontiac GTO. Jerry always had a love for cars, especially antique cars.

In March 1969, he met the love of his life, Mary Thiessen from Abbotsford, British Columbia through a blind date and they were quickly engaged in May of 1969. Things moved quickly once Mary was able to get her green card. They were Married on October 11^th, 1969 and enjoyed 54 years together. Jerry and Mary raised two daughters, Cindy (Partlow) Whitney and Melissa (Partlow) Lemcke.

In 1974, he purchased a 1972 Chevy pick-up and a travel trailer, which marked the beginning of many family camping trips.  His favorite destination was Sun Mountain Ranch in Winthrop, Washington.  He enjoyed designing houses and drawing up plans. Using his talents, he designed both a cabin in Sun Mountain Ranch and his parents’ house on the south side of Bellingham. He enjoyed cross country skiing with his friends, family and parents at Sun Mountain Ranch and Mt Baker. Though he felt he was not great at the game, he enjoyed playing golf and often could be found at the course on Saturdays.

He lived a full and happy life with his family. He loved to laugh, entertain everyone with corny jokes, read, hit up his usual Starbucks, and travel. Hawaii was one of his favorite travel destinations.  Later in life he enjoyed going on the occasional cruise with Mary and always hoped to go on one last cruise. Jerry’s love for his family was always evident. He enjoyed teaching his daughter, sons-in-law, and granddaughters. He was always happy to lend a hand at any given moment, share a meal, and tell stories.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Ruby Partlow. He is survived by his lovely wife, Mary, his daughters Cindy (and Joel) Whitney and Melissa (and Jeremy) Lemcke, and his granddaughters who he absolutely adored (Eden, Ella, Michaela, and Zoey). He is survived by his siblings Ken Partlow, Allen Partlow, and Karen Victor.

Though the last part of his journey was difficult, his faith in the Lord never wavered.  He never complained and kept his eyes fixed on Jesus. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 31st at 1pm at Cornwall Church in Bellingham Washington

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7