Gerald (Jerry) William Munro

Gerald W. "Jerry" Munro, born Christmas Eve, 1916 in Bismarck, ND to Gerald E. Munro and Christine Delzer Munro, passed away July 10, 2014 after spending the morning doing what he loved, working at his nursery. He will be remembered for his resilience, his charm, and his love for both people and plants.

A noted landscape designer and pioneering nurseryman who first started raising and selling plants on Seattle's Queen Anne Hill in 1927, Jerry graduated from Queen Anne High where he participated in football, wrestling, and ice hockey. He majored in horticulture-agronomy with a minor in landscaping at Washington State College where he met his future wife, Jean Kathryn Jespersen; while there, he affiliated with Delta Upsilon and was a champion wrestler. He graduated from the University of Washington, where he followed up with graduate-level studies in cytology and cell structure, but he considered himself a life-long Cougar. He served as quality supervisor at Boeing during WWII, before starting his nurseries in Kenmore and Kirkland.

Jerry is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Jean. He is survived by his children, Karen Edwards, Gerald Kaye Munro (Jean), Kathleen Youngblood, Michael Munro (Irene), William Munro (Cindy), and many grand-, great-grand-, and great-great-grandchildren.

Jerry was an inspiration to all who met him. His plants and landscapes live on in countless homes around Puget Sound. His family is grateful for the care and attention he received from Madison House and the staff at Munro's Nursery.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday July 19 at Kirkland Cemetery, followed by a memorial gathering at Madison House in Totem Lake. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Center for Urban Horticulture.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jul. 15 to Jul. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Munro

Sponsored by The Family.

13 Entries

Louise Christensen

July 9, 2023

Hello to Jerry's family and friends. I am being thankful for having known Jerry just a little bit. Jerry's impact continues to be treasured in my heart. Lots of love to all. Louise Christensen Zak

Jasmine Youngblood

January 12, 2016

Oh how I miss my great grandpa! Love you forever and always! I think of you often...

Louise Christensen Zak

November 15, 2014

Jerry was an institution, a national treasure. I was privileged to have met him. I live only a short distance away and loved just driving past his place to see what was on display. One memorable day twelve years ago, he paid me a supreme compliment: "This lady really knows her plants!" as I went around complimenting him on his selections. A true Plantsman with a great legacy. I'm thankful to have known him a little. My condolences to his family. Louise Christensen Zak

Stephanie Morgan

July 29, 2014

How I will miss my friend Jerry. He used to come to tamale parties at my home at Christmas time. One year he asked to take home the corn husks and in a couple of weeks he sent me a picture of a tree decorated with angel ornaments made from the corn husks! I think he loved angels. I once asked him if he believed in aliens and he answered "Well - angels might be aliens". He was a unique and beautiful person.

Mary Ramachandran

July 18, 2014

Our heartfelt condolences to the Munro family. We have known Jerry for a very long time and appreciated all the help he has given us with plants and landscaping, especially since we had no idea of gardening. He was just a Wonderful person and loved by all who met him. His memory will always be cherished by us and the great son he has in Bill.

Prayers and love to all.

Mary and Ran

Steve Penney, Jr

July 18, 2014

Jerry was a wonderful man to know and was an interesting source of history and ordinary facts about the region and his knowledge of plants and growing things was phenomenal.

July 17, 2014

He was the best Grandfather, an amazing boss, and like a second father to me; I'm full of memories of him but can't imagine the world without him.
-Telzy Casey

Vibrant Plants

July 17, 2014

Jerry was one of the great characters of the industry and was a favorite to have regularly through the nursery. His personality and love for plants will be missed.

July 17, 2014

We are very sad to hear of Jerry's passing. Nobody, we deal with was quite like him. From loading his own 15gal Palm trees at 85, to pointing to what he wants from the car, toward the end. He was always a joy to see and an inspiration. Showing the value of living every day to the fullest. We will miss him.
L&B Nurseries

Barb and Mike Barry

July 17, 2014

Jerry had a bigger, wider "family" than most over the years, will ever know (each other). We all fell in love with him. One of this worlds very special men and we are blessed with having had Jerry in our lives.

Robert Opheim

July 16, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was an amazing man and will be miss by all who had the pleasure to know him.

July 16, 2014

We are all very sad to hear of Jerry's passing. We will miss his regular visits to our nursery and his infectious passion for horticulture.
With our deepest sympathy,
T&L Nursery

July 16, 2014

We were deeply sadden to read about Jerry's passing. He was a first class nurseryman & we certainly enjoyed our both personal & business relationship over the many years.
Deepest Sympathy
The Rosso Family
Gene & Jerry

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