Jerry Solie

1937 - 2025

Gerome Willard (Jerry) Solie, 87, of Everett, Washington, passed away at home on May 27, 2025, with his daughter, Mary, by his side. Born on July 21, 1937, in Everett, Jerry spent most of his life contributing to the community that his grandfather, Hans Solie, had migrated to from his native Norway in 1902. A builder and entrepreneur, Hans started a construction company responsible for building major Everett landmarks, including Everetts's first shopping center, the South Everett B&M store, South Junior High, and the Everett Public Library.

Jerry attended Jefferson Grade School and Everett High School (class of 1955), lettering in track and wrestling. and Everett Junior College (class of 1957), lettering in track. He joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in high school and served for 8 years.

After college, Jerry attended the San Francisco School of Mortuary Science and became Washington's youngest licensed Funeral Director in 1958. He married Susan Newcomb in 1959, and they had three children. Jerry proudly watched his daughter, Kathy Atwood, become Everett's Police Chief in 2011. Jerry worked at Solie Funeral Home, which his father, Lloyd, founded in 1940, before retiring in 1972. He later co-owned Cypress Lawn Memorial Park until 1980.

That year, Jerry began commercial fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, with his lifelong friend Jerry Lang. They ran a fish camp on the Egegik River until Jerry retired in 2010. Jerry's son Hans Solie still fishes on the same set net site that his father did. His fishing adventures were captured in the YouTube video "Jerry Solie Alaska," created by Jerry Buron. He cherished these years, especially the bond with Jerry Lang, whom he called his best friend forever.

Jerry is remembered for his kindness, warmth, and influence. He is survived by son Hans Solie (Kathy), daughters Kathy Atwood (Morrie) and Mary Lucier (Tim), stepsons Craig Bardwell (Carol), Scott Bardwell (Betty), and Tim Bardwell (Laurie), stepdaughters Bethe Engles (Jeff) and Barb Cicotte (Vince), 17 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Vivian Solie; his sister, Suzanne Warner; and Diane Solie, his high school sweetheart, with whom he reconnected and shared 35 years of marriage. Diane, truly the love of his life, passed away in 2015. They shared many cherished moments, from family time at Lake Riley and boat trips to Port Townsend to simply sitting together on their deck at Mission Beach, watching whales pass by.

He was active in many groups: 71-year member of the Sons of Norway, 60 years with Elks Club #479, senior member of Pope and Young, member of the WA State Archery Association, Eagle Scout (1952), Scout Master of Troop 6, 69-year charter member and past president of Evergreen Fly Fishing Club, 20-year member of Inliners International, Big Shots Bike Club, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Jerry had deep passions: fishing since childhood, Bow hunting, antique bottle collecting (featured in the Everett Herald in 1974), and classic cars (especially his 1948 Plymouth Coupe, like the one he drove at Everett High).

Jerry had many very close friends, including his mentor and friend Albert Canaris, a college professor who named a newly discovered parasite "Solielangi" after Jerry and his fishing partner Jerry Lang. He remained lifelong friends with Larry O'Donnell (from the age of 9) and called Dr. Joe Austin the best neighbor he had ever had. He reconnected with his kindergarten classmate, Janice White, eight years ago and formed a very special friendship.

In recent years, Jerry was featured in two YouTube videos: "A Conversation with Jerry Solie," created by his friend Jim Pankiewicz, and "Honoring a Family Legacy - M70 Restoration" by Brubaker Arms, which highlights the Model 70 rifle that he purchased in 1957 and still owns.

Jerry remained active with hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing well into his 80s until health issues slowed him down two years ago. At that time, his daughter Mary Lucier moved in to become his full-time caregiver. Though Jerry may not have expressed it often, her love, strength, and unwavering care meant the world to him. Her dedication brought peace and gratitude to Jerry and the entire family.

The family extends deep thanks to his caregivers, Kristin, Tara, Cori, and Melanie from Connect Home Companions, as well as hospice nurse Jenn and certified nursing assistant Brandon, for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sons of Norway, Normanna Lodge, located at 2725 Oaks Avenue, Everett, Washington, on Saturday, June 14, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to:

The Boykin Spaniel Foundation, PO Box 2047, Camden, SC 29020

Our Saviors Lutheran Church, PO Box 2927, Everett, Washington 98201

The Sons of Norway, Normanna Lodge 2725 Oaks Ave Everett, Washington 98201