Cheryl Lynn Mamiya

Cheryl Lynn (Clay) Mamiya of Omak, WA came into the world January 13, 1961, and departed August 14, 2025, at the age of 64. She was the cherished firstborn of her parents, Jim Sr. and JoAnn (Kuchinka) Clay, and became the protective and spirited older sister to brother Jim and sister Christie. Growing up in the small town of Lynden, Washington, it was evident early on that Cheryl's active mind and outgoing personality would lead her to all manner of pursuits, adventures, and achievements. Her first big solo adventure was earning a seat as a bass clarinetist in the prestigious United States Collegiate Wind Band the summer she graduated from Lynden High School. The band's month-long tour performing in New York City and many of the great cities of Europe fueled Cheryl's wanderlust. Cheryl's adult pursuits carried her far and wide as she made friends and took up residence for two decades in her beloved Hawaii, then later California, Oregon, and Washington. She worked in the travel and hospitality industries, became a nail technician, and ultimately found great satisfaction in re-inventing her professional self after age 50 to become a successful financial advisor. Cheryl regularly gave back to her communities by lending her formidable drive and skillset to civic organizations and events. She continued to enjoy traveling, making multiple trips to Europe and the Caribbean, and loved stops in Whatcom County to visit her treasured niece and nephews. If you asked Cheryl her favorite destinations besides Lynden and Hawaii, she would respond with "Malta" and "Campfires, anytime and anywhere". During the Hawaii years, Cheryl was introduced to the world of showing and breeding dogs, and she was hooked! Shiba Inus, in particular, became her passion. Acting as trainer, handler, owner, breeder, colleague, and mentor, her 30 years with the breed resulted in awards, champions, travels, friendships, and happiness by the score. Each of Cheryl's six trips to Westminster yielded a ribbon, and, wIth Cheryl as handler, her dog, Dori, won Shiba Best of Breed there in 2018. When cancer struck a few years ago, Cheryl tackled it with the same determination, ferocity, and even levity that drove all her pursuits, fighting as long and hard as she could, and cracking up doctors and nurses all along the way; her love of a funny story, a hearty laugh, and a good leg-pulling never wavered. We are profoundly grateful for the dedicated and compassionate team at Fred Hutch, for her adopted Omak family, and for her friends Lori and Patty, who all supported Cheryl exceptionally during her cancer journey. Cheryl has now joined her sister Christie, who went on before - we're sure there's much laughter and storytelling as they catch up! She is survived, and will be deeply missed, by her parents Jim Sr. and JoAnn, her brother Jim and sister-in-law Megan, her niece Cameron and partner Kyle, nephews Sean and Nate, and by her last Shiba and faithful sidekick San Jo Jay-Z, as well as her enormous circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A private memorial to be held on Saturday, September 6, 11:30 AM, will be livestreamed for the benefit of Cheryl's widespread family and friends. Information can be found on the Gillies Funeral Home website. An open house celebration of life will follow in Omak at a later date. Per her wishes, Cheryl's ashes will return to Hawaii, the place where her heart was always home. To watch the service live-streamed, go to https://www.facebook.com/GilliesFuneralHomeAndCremationServices. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.