Jeffrey Peter Lynn Sarles

Sarles, Jeffrey Peter Lynn 52 Oct. 29, 1959 Jan. 06, 2012 Jeff was born in Palo Alto, Calif. to Lynn and Lucretia Sarles. When he was seven, the family moved to Portland and he began his lifelong attachment to the natural beauty of the Northwest. His musical talents found an outlet in trumpet, guitar, piano and singing. Music remained important to him the rest of his life. He graduated from Sunset High School in 1977 and attended Northwest Bible College in Kirkland, Wash. 1977-1978. For several years he shared in the production of "Open Door", an internationally broadcast radio program of outreach to young people. He also led worship and influenced the lives of many youth in the Young Life outreach. During his 10 year marriage to Sandra Sanders, they became parents to Joshua, 27, and Amanda, 23. The family lived and worked at Suttle Lake Methodist Youth Camp in the Cascades while the children were growing up. Jeff's interest and abilities in electronics led him to work in cable TV communications and later in electronic security systems. He received the "Number One Salesman in the Nation" award from the Protection One Corporation. Throughout his life he was one with nature - with his turtle, rabbit, chickens, goat, cats and dogs - not all at the same time - and his fishing, swimming, boating and hiking. He had ongoing adventures with the mountains and forests, rivers and ocean of the Northwest. The Boy Scout 50 mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail was one of those many adventures. He got lost, but with his skills he found his way back to the group. He fought a tough fight against a lifetime of ailments and continued to win many battles - until he no longer could. He is survived by his son, Joshua; his daughter, Amanda; his parents, Lynn and Lucretia; his two sisters, Laura Matthews and Jennifer Hartman; his brother, Christopher (Elizabeth) and their children, Nathan and Henry; and many loving cousins and near relatives. Memorial at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at Cedar Hills United Church of Christ Chapel, 11695 SW Park Way. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Open Arms International, an organization striving to help those struggling in Africa; or a charity of your choice.