Jerre Eugene Lawson

If laughter truly adds years to your life, then Jerre Lawson earned his 92 years' worth. 

Jerre was born on June 28, 1933. He was the type of man who could strike up a conversation with anyone- store clerks, boaters, even total strangers. If you had ears, Jerre had a story. And if you didn't have ears, well, he probably told it anyway.

He's survived by his wife of 45 years, Ute Lawson, his three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He'll also be remembered by friends, dock neighbors, and probably a few waitresses who got roped into hearing his latest joke.

In his younger years, Jerre worked on fishing boats in Alaska, where he developed his work ethic, his storytelling habit, as well as how to stretch a story to make you smile. 

Jerre met Ute in 1978 while she was visiting her sister in Issaquah, and was instantly smitten. He followed her all the way to her hometown in Bamberg, Germany to woo her, and was successful. They married April 21st, 1980, and settled in Issaquah, where they owned and operated Lawson Disposal for over 30 years. 

After retiring, Jerre and Ute moved to Port Orchard to be near the Yacht Club that Jerre had joined back in 1974. They spent many summers aboard their beloved 41-foot trawler Skybird, exploring Alaska, Vancouver Island, British Columbia and anywhere else the tide took them. They made countless friends and memories. He loved music, a good bowl of ice cream, tinkering in his shop, and being on his boat. 

Jerre will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, his endless stories and the twinkle in his eye when he was about to say something mischievous. He was the kind of man who could fix anything, charm anyone, and tell you what you were doing wrong, all in the same five minutes.

After a lifetime of chasing horizons and telling tales, Jerre has set out on his final boat ride. We will all miss him dearly.