Obituary

Gordon Harold Jones, of Gooseberry Point, passed away on November 6, 2019. He was born in Bellingham to Harold G. Jones and Emma (Rahorst) Jones. After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1948, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Erickson, in 1949. He honorably served his country during the Korean War, notably at Pusan and the Chosin Reservoir. After Korea, he re-joined his parents and brothers in the development of Fisherman’s Cove. Hard-working and resourceful, he did a lot of jobs, including building the family home, but he eventually focused on repairing boat motors. Later he established HJ Boat Company for the installation of large engines in commercial fishing boats for the Alaska fleet. Gordon enjoyed many trips to Alaska for business and pleasure, and usually found time for fishing, his lifelong passion. His pursuit of a “really big fish” came to fruition in 1993 when he caught a 76-pound King Salmon in Cook Inlet. After the Lummi Nation purchased Fisherman’s Cove in 1986, Gordon was able to retire, and he and Mary Ellen fulfilled their dream of traveling and visiting art museums around the world. Gordon also enjoyed building boats, gathering cedar drift logs to hand-split into shakes for a new roof, woodworking, gardening and watching Seahawk games. He had many wonderful friends and his family sincerely hopes he is now enjoying a beer and a good talk with those who passed away before him. His father and mother, and his brothers Donald and Wallace, also predeceased him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Mary Ellen; his children Stephen Jones (Diane), Jennifer Bruce and Suzane Jones; grandchildren Theresa, Andrew (Sarah) and Elizabeth; and great-grandchildren Everett and Wyatt. His family would especially like to thank those who helped Gordon during his final days. Memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice.

A private service will be held at a later date.