Jerry Donald Skagen
Jerry Skagen, a lifelong resident of Kent, passed away September 21, 2016. He was born December 9, 1939 at Providence Hospital in Seattle. A 1958 graduate of Kent-Meridian High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve soon after, completing his training at San Diego.
Jerry founded Skagen Boats and operated the business for over 50 years, first at the Duwamish in Seattle and later in Auburn, where his son Tony followed in Jerry’s footsteps. Jerry had a significant impact on the performance boat industry in the Northwest. He not only designed and built boats, but enjoyed racing them as well. He is a legend in the v-drive and jet boatindustry. His shop at the Duwamish was a Seattle icon for performance boat enthusiasts.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Rose Skagen, by his infant brother David (1955)and by his infant daughter Allison (1959). He is survived by his children, Tony, Kim, Tana and Rick, by his brother Morris and brother-in- law James Daly, by his former wife Carolyn Rains, and by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A Service will be held Saturday, October 1, 11:00am at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156 th Ave. SE, Covington. Reception will follow at Soos Creek Botanical Garden, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. Donations may be made to Soos Creek Botanical Garden for establishing a memorial for Jerry.
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