GEORGE GERALD "JERRY" BLADES

Gerald “Jerry” Blades died on Saturday, February 14, at his home in Mount Vernon.

He was born May 22, 1928 in Harrison, Idaho. Jerry will be remember from his career as a lineman for the Snohomish County Public Utilities District, and his investment in La Conner, including the Pier 7 building. Many will remember him for his commitment to volunteerism in scouting, the Island County Volunteer Fire District on Camano Island and the La Conner Fire Department.

Jerry met his wife Donna in Yakima at the age of 15. Together, they lived in Everett and Camano Island while raising their family, and then settled in the Skagit Valley in La Conner and in Mount Vernon. In their retirement, Donna and Jerry traveled extensively, including taking annual trips to Mexico.

Jerry was preceded in death by his bride of 68 years, Donna Marie Blades in 2010, and his three children, David, who died in 1985, Linda in 1990, and Lucy in 2007.

He leaves three granddaugh-ters: Lisa Judy of La Conner, Sheree Pennington and her husband Guy of Kent and Sara Miller and her husband Travis of Everett. He also leaves six great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will miss his teaching, loving, playful spirit and generous nature.

A celebration of life reception for Jerry will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Swinomish Yacht Club in La Conner.

In following Jerry’s wishes, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the La Conner Volunteer Fireman’s Association, P.O. Box 581, La Conner, WA 98257.