Richard Gerald “Jerry” Murawski, 84, passed away on August 7, 2022

MURAWSKI—Richard Gerald “Jerry” Murawski, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 7, 2022, in the company of his wife, Marilyn (Miller) Murawski, after courageously fighting leukemia for more than 16 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Helen Murawski of Vancouver, Wash., and by his brother, Thomas, of Olympia, Wash., in 1998.

Jerry was born in Vancouver, Wash., on May 28, 1938. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He had a quick sense of humor and easily made friends throughout his life. He graduated from Evergreen High School and attended some college and several trade classes, but learned the best from getting his hands on things. He could fix nearly anything, and even in his 80s was still mastering new woodworking equipment and computer programs to create items for his family and friends.

Jerry began his working career with SP & S Railway as a journeyman electrician and he and Marilyn welcomed their three daughters during this time.

In 1968, Jerry began working as a millwright, then assistant packaging manager for General Brewing (Lucky Lager). When the brewery closed and sold its equipment to China, Jerry worked several months in Zhao Qing, China, to restore the can line to operation. Upon his return, he explored many different careers, from commercial fishing, cabinet making and house painting, to obtaining his real estate license and building and remodeling homes.

However, working was not Jerry’s main passion. Jerry enjoyed his hobbies to the fullest extent. He enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing, clamming, crabbing, gardening and building things for family and friends.

In particular, even as a small boy, Jerry’s passion wasn’t just fishing, but catching! He was a consummate fisherman, going after salmon, steelhead and many other fish varieties in rivers, lakes and tributaries all across the west. As he always owned a boat, Jerry also enjoyed taking family and friends fishing. Helping others catch fish gave him joy, as did sharing his wonderful smoked fish.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn, with whom he was rarely separated, and his three daughters: Sally Miller (Craig) of Libby, Mont.; Amy Brabec (Bob) of Kenmore, Wash., and Molly Blauvelt (Andy) of Lake Oswego, Ore. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret “Marge” Murawski of Olympia, Wash.

Jerry was a loving and proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

An in memory of life was held for the grandchildren on Sunday, Aug. 14, and a celebration of life was held on Aug. 21 for friends in Florence, Ore.

A celebration of life in his hometown of Vancouver, Wash., is to be held on Sept. 25, 2022. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.