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BORN
1933
DIED
2020
Jerry Brockey Obituary
Age 86, Jerry passed away Sunday, March 22, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona surrounded by family after a battle with Parkinsons. Born November 29, 1933 on a small farm near the Canadian border in Bottineau, N.D., Jerry was the oldest of 3 children. He graduated from Seattle University with a Masters of Education Degree in 1961.
Jerry began his lifetime career in the education field as a Teacher and a Coach in the Seattle Public Schools. He was a community leader since he served on the planning group for the Seattle Community College District in the 1960s. He held a variety of positions until being named President of South Seattle Community College in 1977. In July, 1995 he left South Seattle after 23 years to take the position of Executive Vice Chancellor for the Seattle Community College District. Jerry was known as the "Builder of Dreams" with his dedication to the students, the community and fostering of business and educational partnerships. Recognized as a mentor and a leader, he was quick to share any and all success with the team of professionals that he surrounded himself with.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Candace; 4 daughters Vickie Daneker, Catherine Brockey, Lisa (Jamal) AlGharib, Tracey (Mark) Hilliard, stepson Matthew (Jennifer) Weise and sister, Jean Brown. Jerry was preceded in death by his father Coyle Brockey, younger sister Joan Sullivan and grandson Brian Michael Thornton. He was a dedicated father and husband who provided for his family and did the best he could to teach and guide them. He was a loving grandfather to 9 and great grandfather to 4.
A memorial service is planned later in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Jerry M. Brockey Endowed Scholarship at South Seattle Community College is requested.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Brockey
Sponsored by The Family.
Suzanne Marie Griffin
September 26, 2021
Jerry Brockey was an energetic, dedicated and inspirational leader of South Seattle College. Because of his personal and professional strenghts as well as his dedication to both the college family and the community that supports it, he stands out among the many college presidents whom I came to know through my work at the State Board for Community Colleges. I am grateful that he chose include me among deans and dedicated administrators at South Seattle Coomunity College.
May he rest in peace.
Suzanne M. Griffin, Ph.D.
former SSCC Dean of General Studies
Melissa Ransdell
September 25, 2021
Some of favorite childhood memories are of my good friend Lisa, and her dad (Jerry) generously and patiently teaching me to waterski. I can still feel their support, encouragement, and celebration in my eventual success. Decades later I ran into "Mr. Brockey" at the grocery store and was amazed that he recognized me and touched by his warmth and interest. I´m grateful for his influence. Sending heartfelt condolences to Lisa, Vickie, Cathy, and Tracey.
Michael Arbow
April 10, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jerry Brockey and his family.
Having graduated from South Seattle Community College in 1984 I had the privilege of working with and knowing Jerry. He was a man of great honesty and directness. I was a young student involved with student life and he was forever encouraging to me. I always appreciated his help and guidance.
I ran into him at the hardware store several years back and he still had that incredible deep voice that could stop you in your tracks and that wonderful wry smile of his. It helped sharing the same political stripes as he did. He was forever a conversationalist and nothing but kind and gracious to me.
With caring thoughts and loving memories of Jerry Brockey and his family.
May your comfort be in knowing that someone so special as Jerry will never be forgotten.
God Bless !
Michael Arbow
Dan Hagerty
April 3, 2020
Jerry and my dad ; Jim Hagerty, were good friends while attending WSU in the 50's , I especially like hearing the stories of them playing football for WSU and both stayed friend throughout the years until my Dads death in 2011. Dad always had great things to says about Jerry. RIP Jerry
Karl Hutter
April 3, 2020
Thank you, Jerry, for your great support for the Culinary Arts Program. It was my pleasure to work as a Chef Instructor under your guidance and leadership as the College's President. You inspired all of us to excellence and encouraged our team to make the CA Program one of the best in the Northwest.
Brad Feagan
April 2, 2020
Mr. Jerry Brockey was a wonderful and interesting person. It was nice to share some fun times with his Family back in the 60's & 70's. He will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with you Vickie, Cathy, Lisa and Tracey.
Sharon Huling
April 1, 2020
Jerry did so much for our West Seattle community, he lived a life well-lived., and we are grateful for him.Sharon Huling
R Jerry Rosso
March 30, 2020
Jerry was one of the best, it was my great pleasure to work with Jerry when I was on the South Seattle Community College Foundation Board as well during my time as President of the Horticulture Advisory Committee. He certainly will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Jerry RIP
Suzanne Griffin
March 29, 2020
Jerry Brockey was a strong, dedicated and honest college president. It was my privilege to serve as a division dean during the final two years that he led South Seattle Community College.
Jerry Brockey's commitment to the Seattle Community Colleges will long be remembered.
My condolences to Jerry's family. May he rest in peace!
Suzanne M. Griffin, Ph.D.
Dennis King
March 29, 2020
Jerry was a great man. I loved working with him, but for only a few years. He did have a strong handshake.
Rodger Squirrell
March 28, 2020
I am sorry for your loss, I worked for Mr. Brockey for many years.He was a man that I respected very much a mentor and great leader. He showed me equal respect he was a great old school administrator .He will be in my thoughts and honor him greatly.
GENE & FRAN HOOSE
March 28, 2020
WELL DONE COACH, RIP. SEALTH CLASS OF '61'
GENE & FRAN HOOSE
March 28, 2020
WELL DONE COACH, RIP. GENE HOOSE, SEALTH CLASS OF '61'
Tracey Hilliaes
March 28, 2020
All our LOVE Dad ❤
Chuck Shirley
March 28, 2020
Jerry was seven years older than me. during that time we lived in the same house. He was the older brother that I never had he was always looking out for my welfare . I used to help him deliver newspapers. I would be sitting on the handlebars of the bicycle and folding the newspapers. I would hand them to Jerry who was tossing them to the customers doorstep. Great memories!! We will miss him a lot. Chuck Shirley
John Enger
March 28, 2020
Jerry was a wonderful man and a great leader...perfect person to head the College...he was also a wonderful Rotarian in the West Seattle Club.
Jane Bristol Rhys
March 28, 2020
There is so much to add to this short notice about Jerry's life. He was the most amazing optimist - always ready for a new challenge. He was a football star, a formidable tank of a person who was also a mentor, guide, and excellent educator to many. He pioneered foreign student studying English language alongside their chosen majors in all the community colleges in Seattle. He counseled and advised cousins, nephews, nieces, and anyone else who needed a good head and experience. I know I am biased, he was my cousin, but he was fine stuff.
JEAN HARRIS
March 28, 2020
I grieve with family, friends and colleagues at the loss of this dedicated educator, loyal friend, and compassionate and courageous human being. May his family find comfort in knowing that he truly made a difference.
Tracey Hilliard
March 28, 2020
I am truly grateful for all the memories you have left us with. You were an amazing, caring and loving Father and Grandfather. Always there for us no matter the circumstance and with 4 girls, we did our best to keep you busy. You were a legend to so many and I was so very proud to have you as someone to look up to and to learn from. While I am sad for you leaving us far too soon, I know you had a beautiful long life and we are all lucky to have shared it with you. I will miss you Dad so very much, but you will live on in my heart and be a part of mine and my family's life forever.
Robert Hester
March 28, 2020
I am sad to read that Jerry has passed away. He was my leader and good friend while we both worked at South Seattle Community College.
Robert Hester
March 28, 2020
I am sad to read about the passing of Jerry Brockey who was my friend and leader while we worked at South Seattle Community College.
March 28, 2020
I am truly grateful for all the memories you have left us with. You were an amazing, caring and loving Father and Grandfather. Always there for us no matter the circumstance - and with 4 girls we did our best to keep you very busy. You were a legend to so many... and I was so very proud to have you as someone to look up to and to learn from. While I am sad for you leaving us far too soon, I know you had a beautiful long life and we are all lucky to have shared it with you. I miss you Dad... so very much, but you will live on in my heart and be a part of my life forever...
Elaine Reas
March 28, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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