Jerry Allin Brownfield

March 29, 1942 - December 07, 2017

Jerry Allin Brownfield

March 29, 1942 - December 07, 2017

Obituary

FOR what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek spirit unencumbered?

ONLY when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

Kahlil Gibran

Jerry Brownfield, Bellingham, WA, after a life full of love and adventure, “walked into the forest” with jaunty steps, and deep clear breaths, on December 7, 2017. He had a deep and abiding love of the natural world.

He was a man of twinkling eyes, inquisitiveness and love, an incredible son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend to all.

Jerry was the son of Allen Brownfield, and Alice (Zimmerman) Brownfield, of Sacramento, CA. Married (June 27, 1964) for fifty-three years to Virginia Elizabeth (Beth) Batcheller. He received a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis in 1967. Beth and Jerry served in the Peace Corps from 1967-1969 in Honduras, Central America.

Jerry’s engineering degree took him in 1969 to General Mills in Golden Valley, MN for two years, and then to Thermo King (Transport Refrigeration) in Minneapolis, MN for over 30. The family lived in Oranmore, Ireland from 1983 to 1985, as Jerry worked for Thermo King. Jerry and Beth moved to Bellingham in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Margaret (Brownfield) Harmer. His legacy and memories will live on in daughters Amie Lenore Brownfield and Jenny Elizabeth (Brownfield) Bowefield; grandchildren Erin Beth Bowefield, Dylan Scott Bowefield; sister Caroline (Brownfield) Minto; niece Vicky and nephews Mark Minto and Robin Harmer; and hundreds of friends and acquaintances around the globe.

Jerry was an active volunteer with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, the Human Rights Film Festival Task Force, a men’s hiking group, and three book groups. He took many courses through the Academy for Lifelong Learning. He was an inventor (wind and solar energy in particular), and active in the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. He loved singing, gardening, hiking, conversing, tinkering, inventing, and writing poetry.

When friends and family were asked who Jerry was for them, their responses included, but were not limited to: adaptable, admired, adventurous, authentic, caring, comfortable, contemplative, creative, diligent, doggedly determined, down to earth, empathetic, enthusiastic helper, ethical, fixer, full of laughter, generous, gentle, good listener, gracious, honorable, honest, humble, imaginative, inclusive, filled with integrity, intelligent, inventive, kind, level headed, loyal, mensch (A person who does the right thing at the right time for the right reason), mentor, non-judgmental, optimistic spirit, peacemaker, poetic, practical wisdom, present to all moments and beauty of life, problem solver, resourceful, respectful, responsible, humorous, smart, sparkling eyes, stand-up guy, steadfast and loyal, strong & stable, supportive, talented, thoughtful, understanding, warm, and wise. Please share memories at this page.

Jerry has walked on and will continue to inspire us by his examples.

Memorial Service, Saturday, January 27, 3:30-6:00 p.m. Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

Donations in his memory to: Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (13 Prospect St.#201, Bellingham, WA 98225), or Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival (http://bhrff.webs.com/donate.htm).

Celebration Of Life

  • Date & Time: January 18, 1272 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
  • Location: 1207 Ellsworth Street Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (360) 73-3-3837

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50 responses to Jerry Allin Brownfield

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  1. We were saddened to hear about Jerry. Our thoughts are with you.
    Below are thoughts of Jerry, that Beth then read to him—

    When we think of you, Jerry, we think of your stories of hiking the Pacific Northwest trails near Bellingham. We took several of your recommendations. We recall the beauty of a trail you recommended just off Chuckanut Drive. It wasn’t a trail we would likely have tried on our own since we often take hikes into the mountains and choose options much further from the road, since the trails near Seattle attract many more.

    We encountered a few friendly dogs with their owners, but took joy in the convenience of one of your favorite hikes with such beauty and solitude. In fact, it started a conversation that we might consider Bellingham in retirement. You and Beth have thrived in this delightful PNW city, connecting with people, nature and the larger community. You are a model of how we can embrace all three with a gentle purpose.

    Bear hugs from both of us-
    Pam & Dave

  2. Beth,“Walked into the forest.” That’s really lovely. Such a wonderful picture of all those who have gone before, finding their way. That’s a picture I’m keeping close.

    It was wonderful to visit with Jerry at the reunion in Santa Fe this summer. Just another reminder to take advantage of those moments when available. And I appreciate the visits you both made to our place on the coast. Both you and Jerry were generous with yourselves.

    We both send our love in a hard time. For a while there won’t be a time that isn’t hard, but holidays are especially tough. We’re glad to hear you have the comfort of friends and family.

    Our love, Pete & Kathy

  3. We are left with Jerry in our lives, so lucky we are to have been a friend. And now we still have Jerry in a new way, in our minds and in our hearts. We can now presence Jerry and include him in all the ways we have known . It is our way to keep him close. I invite you to think of Jerry often and keep him close.My hugs and love to Jerry’s family and friends…..his communities.
    Nancy Sjoquist

  4. We are sorry to learn of the passing of Jerry, but grateful for his (and Beth’s) service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Honduras.
    Our Condolences,
    The National Peace Corps Association

  5. In this time of sadness my sincere thoughts are with your family. Beth & Jerry brought into this world two of my very favorite women, daughters, Amie and Jenny, who will carry on their dad’s legacy. My love to you girls, I’m but a phone call and car ride away for you and Beth.

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