Junior Lee Stacey

His fishing rod and reel have been hung up. He will hear the sing of the line no more. Junior Lee Stacey left his family and friends on November 14,2016. Junior was born in Calico Rock, AR April 8, 1949. He and his family moved to Whatcom County when he was two years of age. Junior graduated from Lynden High School in 1967. His adult working career was broad and varied. Junior’s work ethic never wavered nor dimmed. He set high standards for himself and those around him. He championed many people to excel, to reach for higher goals and silently applauded them when they succeeded. His highest compliment was “that’s pretty good”. He was rock solid on the outside, determined, passionate in his convictions and beliefs, but those who knew him well, knew that inside beat the heart of a marshmallow. Juniors final work path lead him to Farmers Equipment with branches in Lynden and Burlington WA. First as an employee and later as a partner and owner. Junior met his future wife Darleen (Larson) at Bunk’s Drive Inn in Bellingham in 1968. Their marriage was a teenage marriage that lasted 48 plus years. Together they had two sons, Darrell and Chris. Junior’s love and pride in and for his sons was limitless. Cheering them on from the bleachers or coaching them from the side lines. His sons were the crown jewel in his life. Junior planned to retire at year end 2015, but in September 2015 he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. A life altering diagnoses, cutting short his and Darleen’s plan to leisurely travel and fun. As well as watching his granddaughter Lauren grow up and bloom in to the wonderful, amazing and gifted woman she will become. Water – frozen or liquid. Snow skiing, water skiing and fishing in the San Juan islands or off the Coast of Vancouver Island BC where he and Darleen spent as much time as possible. This summer Junior will take his last cruise to the San Juan Islands with his family. A celebration of his love and life, with a stop at his favorite ice cream parlor in Friday Harbor. Junior leaves behind wife Darleen, sons Darrell and Chris (wife Amy), grandchildren, brothers Glen, Lyndall and Jim, sister Bonnie and numerous relatives and friends. Remember Junior each in your own way. With laughter or a tear. Healthy and robust. The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to Hospice House (Scooter, Cari, Amy, Michelle and many others. They lightened the final journey with their gentle, tender and loving care. Memorial can be made to Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham, WA.

Junior Lee Stacey

April 8, 1949 - November 14, 2016