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Jack Peary Obituary
Jack Alexander Peary passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2020, from mantle cell lymphoma with his family by his side. Jack was born on November 8, 1934 to Lenore Rogers Murko and Horace Harwood in Brooklyn, New York. He attended City College in Brooklyn, NY & the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR, receiving his Doctorate in Biology, Botany & Algology. Jack met his wife, Betty Anderson while in Eugene and they were married on June 16, 1962. He was a professor in the Biology department at the University of Massachusetts & Central Washington University. He also conducted research at the National Research Council in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. He and Betty were the proud owners of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville for 16 years. He then took a job as the horticulture extension agent for WSU Cooperative Extension, working closely with the Master Gardeners program until his retirement in 1996.
Jack loved nature, his family and the outdoors. He and Betty grew beautiful Martha Washington Geraniums and Fuchsias. Their home on Camano Island was a showplace of flowers & foliage. He was active in Kiwanis, Beach Watchers and many other clubs over the years.
Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, known for his gentle, easy -going nature and will truly be missed.
His mother, father, sister, Lila and half brothers, Gerald & Robert, preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty, his daughters, Lisa Worl (Ole) & Jennifer Peary, granddaughters, Stefanie Worl & Alyssa Ignatov (Ilya).
At Jack's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack's memory to your favorite charity.
November 8, 1934 - August 12, 2020
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Peary
6 Entries
Richard Edmonds
August 27, 2020
We remember Jack and Betty from our trip to Costa Rica several years ago. We enjoyed them both. We send our sympathy. Judy and Richard Edmonds (formerly of Snohomish)
David Brubaker
August 26, 2020
Linda & I will really miss Jack. Such a gentle person . He used his professional training to help Beach Watchers appreciate the many species if algae in our coastal waters.
Kathleen Shafer
August 25, 2020
Trips to Sunnyside Nursery were a happy experience as Jack, always the educator, willingly answered questions and shared knowledge of what would grow best in Marysville. He was a very proud father as well. Blessings and fond memories of a wonderful man to you Betty, Lisa and Jennifer.
Martie Jantz
August 23, 2020
Betty and Family, Bill and I would like to send our sympathies to all of you. Been a while since we have seen him but he was a great guy. Bill and Martie Jantz
Lorna Herchenson
August 23, 2020
Betty and family: My sincerest condolences on the passing of Jack. He was always so friendly and loved to answer questions on anything to do with plants. He will be missed by many people.
Pat Pehling
August 23, 2020
Betty, Lisa and Jennifer - I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My memories of him are of a very kind and caring man. I hope all your wonderful memories give you comfort. Love, Pat Pehling
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