Photo courtesy of Hawthorne Funeral Home
Mount Vernon, Washington
John V. (Jack) Gubrud
Jack passed away Thursday August 25, 2016 in Mount Vernon. He was born February 7, 1935 in Fargo, North Dakota to Verne and Mildred (Swindeck) Gubrud. His family moved to Skagit Valley in 1937. Jack graduated Mount Vernon High School in 1953; he excelled in swimming and was a state champion. He attended Skagit Valley College in 1954 until enlisting in the Marine Corp with four other MVHS buddies. He actively served in California and Hawaii until 1956. In 1955 he married his highschool sweetheart, Claudette Coleman. Jack was also an All Marine Corp swim champion in 1956. After his service to our country, Jack attended Washington State College and graduated from Western Washington College of Education and graduated in 1960 with a degree in business and accounting. After graduating he became an accountant at Shell Oil Refinery and then started his career in the auto industry. He and his father had a used car lot on the west side of Mount Vernon and then they purchased the Chrysler dealership on Riverside drive. He then started Gubrud Valley Datsun which he ran for over 25 years until selling to Don Gordon in 1985. Jack was very active in our Valley: he was the past president of the Skagit-Island new car dealer association, helped establish I-5 Auto World, Board of Director for the Mount Vernon Chamber, helped form the Port of Skagit, member of the Mount Vernon Lions and Kiwanis. He was a life member, past Exalted Ruler and District Deputy of ELKS #1604, Past Board of Director of Navy League of Oak Harbor, local member of the Marine Corps League, charter member and past Commodore of the Shelter Bay Yacht Club and was named Citizen of the Year by board of realtors in 1997. He was Board President, fund raising chair and helped found the Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County and was recipient of the “Great Award” and “Jack and Claudette Service Award” from the organization.,
Jack enjoyed traveling, boating, anything to do with family, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his Norwegian heritage, serving others, crabbing, friends, Seahawks and Mariners.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Verne and Mildred (Mickey) and sister: Verna Farro; brother in law: Charles Coleman and wife Darlan, brother in law: Eddie Eckenberg. He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Claudette; children: Michael (Victorian) Gubrud, Mark (Judy) Gubrud, and Colleen Smiley; sister: Kay Eckenberg and family; special son: Troy Coleman; grandchildren: Kelli Gubrud, Nichole (Dan) Hoffman, Adam (Ashley) Brown, Stephen and Matthew Gubrud, Stacie (Paul) Haugen, Brett Gubrud, Shalyce (Ian) Pocock and Darick Smiley(fiancé Sara Ireland); great-grandchildren: Kennedy Pocock of Arizona, Maddix and Miller Pocock, Harper Hoffman, Adison Brown and Ellisa Haugen; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Friday, September 23, 2016, 2:00 pm at His Place Church, 1480 S Burlington Blvd, Burlington followed by a reception at the Skagit Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jack’s name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, PO Box 947 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or to Alzheimer’s research. Jack was buried with his parents and in-laws at Hawthorne Memorial Park.
Gooby, We miss your friendship and personality. However, we have the following memories to help keep us in touch: You singing Gomenasai at Senior Assembly You lowering me from the ceiling of the stage dressed like an angel The four of us driving to El Toro to join Active duty with USMC The many parties and dinners, golf and fun with you and Dette. Love you, Dennis & Harriet
Dennis White
August 20, 2024
Jack was a favorite of mine, in fact I joined the Elks because he asked me to. I drove so many Datsun vehicles I could have had an used car lot of my own. He was fun, he was fair, he was always good for a laugh and a solid handshake. His kids, his wife, all wonderful folks, and yes, we miss him lilke all his really close friends and relatives do. Rest in peace and know the lord loves you brother Jack.
Paul McCarthy
September 26, 2016 | Bothell, WA
I'm sending hugs to each of you in the family that will miss Jack so very much. He was a wonderful man who loved his family with ever fiber of his being! A man of high integrity, who was loved by so many. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. I never got a chance to spend a lot of time with him, but I know that heaven will be brightened up by his presence!
Jeanne Law
September 23, 2016 | Mt. Vernon, WA
We will miss the big friendly greetings but the memories of them and his 39' Chev with Claudette at his side in high school will remain forever. A fun and neat friend to have had.
Our thoughts and prayers to Claudette and family.
Bill & Myo Shears
September 22, 2016
A good and caring man. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren very much. His love of community and desire to make it a better place will always be remembered. I am proud to say that Jack was a friend, classmate, and fellow Marine. He will be missed by all that knew him. Semper Fi my friend.
Bill McCutchin
September 18, 2016 | Mount Vernon, WA
jack was a great guy,great laugh, leader in business and charity !! and he putted with a ax so funny rip condolances to family
john follman
September 15, 2016 | Clear Lake, WA
Several years ago, I listed Jack and Claudette's home in Shelter Bay. I can honestly say that I never worked with a more considerate and delightful couple in my years as a realtor. Always quick to smile and complimentary to one's efforts, Jack was a true gentleman who made a huge impact on his community. He will be sorely missed, and both Gordon and I consider it a great privilege to have known him.
Gordon and Jane Godfrey
September 08, 2016 | La Conner, WA
I miss you Papa!!!! Love, Your Boo
Colleen Smiley
September 08, 2016 | Mount Vernon, WA
I miss you Papa!!!
Colleen Smiley
September 08, 2016
