Dr. Jeffrey Dwight AGER

AGER, Dr. Jeffrey Dwight (Age 54) Jeff passed away suddenly at Sacred Heart Medical Center on December 24, 2013 after a courageous eight month battle with cancer. He was born in Everett, Washington to Jeanne and the late Richard Ager. Raised in Spokane, he attended parochial schools and Gonzaga Prep High School. At Prep he was a bit of a renaissance man. He was as comfortable on the baseball field and basketball court as in the classroom, serving with Knights of the Leash, or at the keys of a piano accompanying the annual musical. Legend has it Jeff had the meanest curveball in town and on the basketball court showed great athleticism, though he may be remembered most for his short shorts and pigeon-toed gait. At the age of 15, a fateful blind date introduced Leanne Zimmer into his life. She was his high school sweetheart and eventual wife, and they shared nearly 29 years of beautiful married life together. Jeff went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and attended medical school at St. Louis University. He completed a radiology residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center followed by a Fellowship at the University of Washington, specializing in Body Imaging. Jeff's radiology career spanned 20 years in Spokane, where he embodied a genuine passion for excellence and professionalism while developing cherished friendships with colleagues and staff. He endeared himself to all he encountered with his quick wit, disarming smile, and warm heart. Despite his many successes, Jeff's greatest pleasures were found in the simple things. Many summer days were spent puttering around his beloved lake cabin in attempt to create a timeless haven for family and friends. As "master projecter" with an unmatched attention to detail, he amassed an impressive array of obscure gadgets in constant pursuit of a better way. Quiet mornings at the lake were his refuge, and he loved nothing more than sharing it with others. A grilled steak with his special "smokey flavor," laughter together on the screened porch, and an ice cream treat from his special stash made for a perfect night. Jeff's most cherished role, and likely his greatest legacy, was that of mentor and father to his boys. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. He modeled hard work, integrity, and consistency as he loved them into men. They will forever be grateful for his steady and true guidance in their lives. It is hard for us to imagine a more quiet, humble, unassuming man that has garnered more respect, admiration, and love. He held himself to the highest standards, yet offered grace freely to others. He lived with open hands in generosity, and selflessly put the needs of others before his own. If the measure of a man is in the impact he had on the hearts of others, he was rich indeed. Jeff was preceded in death by his father Richard; and sister Julie Ann. He is survived by his wife Leanne; children, Bryan Ager (wife Katie) and Casey Ager; mother, Jeanne Ager; sister, Jan Karel (husband James); in-laws, Ginny and Roy Zimmer; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Laury Byxbee (husband Warren), Mary Dinnison (husband Joe), Chip Zimmer (wife Denise); 11 adoring nieces and nephews; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Danko Martincic and the staff at Valley Cancer Care Northwest for their expert care and constant support through this lengthy journey. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar at 11 am on Thursday, January 2nd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the "Dr. Jeffrey Ager Memorial Radiology Residency Fund" through Numerica Credit Union, referenced account #767334. This fund has been established to honor Jeff's years of contribution to radiology by assisting residents training in Spokane.