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Jay Koetje, long-time resident of Fir Island, quietly passed away at home on July 29, 2014 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.
Jay was the second of three sons born to Paul and the late Rita Koetje. He was educated in Mount Vernon schools, graduating from Mount Vernon High School with the class of 1971. Following high school, Jay attended Yakima Community College for two years before starting his commercial fishing business. After a long and very successful career, Jay retired from fishing in 1999.
In 1995, Jay met Cindy Hammond who would become his wife. Over the years they built two incredible homes together, travelled extensively, entertained largely and loved each other deeply. Cindy cared for Jay throughout his illness and was by his side always.
Jay was an avid sport fisherman, duck hunter and decoy collector. He loved hunting on their eastern Washington property and enjoyed sharing the hunt with family and friends. As good as the hunt was, the story telling that followed was phenomenal. Jay also made his mark recently when he was honored as "Volunteer of the Year" by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for his financial support of the Skagit Wildlife Area Island unit. In his acceptance speech Jay simply said "I decided I would try to help the ducks out a little bit". Those fortunate enough to have known Jay will miss his quick wit, sly grin and contagious laugh.
Jay was preceded in death by his mother Rita. He is survived by his devoted wife Cindy, at the family home; father Paul (Florence) of Mount Vernon, WA; brothers Jeff (Michelle) of Mount Vernon, WA and Rick of Mount Vernon, WA; step-daughter Nora (Victor) Hernandez and their children Vanessa and Nicholas of Burlington, WA, as well as a large extended family. Additionally surviving Jay are his beloved dog Coo and dear friends Steve and Linda Rasor of Royal City, WA.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 beginning at 1:00 pm at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, WA with a reception to follow at Maplehurst Farm in Mount Vernon, WA.
Please share your thoughts of Jay and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Blessings and prayers dear Koetje family. We are so sorry to hear about Jay's passing.
Gregg and Joanne Moore
August 10, 2014
Always a character, he made us all smile whenever he came in the office. He will be missed greatly.
Jennifer Brown
August 8, 2014
Curt & Cindy Ozaki
August 7, 2014
Jay was a great guy and I considered him a friend. (Class of 1971 at MVHS) My condolences are with his wife and other family members.
He left us way too soon.
Barbara Worley
Barbara Worley
Barbara Worley
August 7, 2014
The voice, so unique, one of a kind,there was no doubt when Jay was in the room or area, part of what made Jay stand out. His easy going and friendly personality, down to earth attitude, and the way he lived and carried out his life was admired by many. Jay will be impossible to forget, great memories and good times, thanks for being you, you were loved by many! RIP Jay Koetje
Tom Simonseth
August 7, 2014
Jayne Marsh Gilbert
August 6, 2014
After my initial sadness eased I began to smile, I started to reminisce about
Jay. The memories seemed to be all about fun, laughter, good times, kindness. I'm still sad but I feel truly lucky to have known Jay. He will
be greatly missed and impossible to forget, the true definition of "unique". My deepest sympathy to Cindy and his entire family.
Randy Strong
August 6, 2014
ED STEPHENS
August 6, 2014
Wayne May
August 5, 2014
Patti Sands
August 5, 2014
Sherry Crane
August 5, 2014
When you were with Jay it was always an experiance. He was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by us all.
Ray
Ray Hull
August 5, 2014
Jay had many friends from the sloughs of Fir Island to the waters of Alaska. From the time I met Jay in high school through his incredible journey in life he always had something exciting going on and he will be missed deeply by his friends. My thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. The Brant Club and the world lost one of a kind. Happy hunting Jay.
Dan
Dan Cameron
August 5, 2014
This valley lost a good soul in Jay Koetje. He was a good & generous man that gave much. Thank you Jay and Cindi for what you have done for me & my family. Words are not enough to convey the gratitude. Jay was like a legend in our time here on this earth and I am so glad I got to meet him and be a part of his family. Rest in Peace Jay!
Vivian Koetje
August 4, 2014
Our thoughts are prayers are with Jay and the family. He was truly one of a kind. His conservation ethic was a model for the rest of us. Rest in Peace.
Rich Phillips
August 4, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Cindy and family. I met Jay on several occasions at the decoy show in Chicago, he was a class act and a great collector who loved to have fun with the hobby. Rest in peace Jay.
Lee Schultz
August 4, 2014
My condolences to the Koetje family. I met Jay when he first ventured to Alberta in search of ducks and geese. Definitely the kind of man who will be missed.
Brian Acton
August 4, 2014
Jay was a great high school buddy and college roomie. We will all miss you jay. Happy hunting my friend. My thoughts to all your family
Jim "Arlo" Niles
August 3, 2014
Our heartfelt sympathy to Jay's entire family of relatives and friends.
Melvin and Pattie Pleas
August 3, 2014
Jay took a chance on myself and my business partner when no one else would. Our prayers are with Jay and his family. Jay has made a lasting impact on myself and my family. Thank you Jay.
David Martin and Family
David Martin
August 2, 2014
I had the pleasure of salmon fishing at the Queen Charolettes with Jay and bird hunting with him when he came to Provost Alberta. I will remember him for his laugh and good times. My condolences to his family.
Paul Stempfle
August 2, 2014
Used to double date with Jay. Fun times. I will remember his laugh and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a special man. Tye Ann Berghuis(Roth)
August 2, 2014
Godspeed Jay
Becky Goodrow
August 2, 2014
I will personally miss Jay's quick wit and sense of humor. RIP Jay. You are, and will, be missed.
Jeff Cockerill
August 2, 2014
My thoughts are with Jay's family during this time. I was amazed at Jay's fight with cancer as I watched him continue his life. He helped so many in so many ways and asked nothing in return. I've known Jay since childhood growing up in Conway and have also liked and admired him. He will be greatly missed, may he rest in peace.
Terry Williams
August 2, 2014
Nora Hernandez
August 1, 2014
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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