Birch Bay, Whatcom County and Puget Sound are going to miss Jerry Larson, who died on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
He was a tireless activist on behalf of fin and shellfish, particularly in his beloved Birch Bay, but extending to the surrounding area.
We first met Jerry shortly after coming to Birch Bay a little over seven years ago. He was poking around in a bowl of water containing nematodes and other critters, participating in a Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association workshop on water quality in Terrell Creek.
He was a constant presence at Birch Bay Steering Committee meetings, always ensuring that the decisions being made would enhance the watershed and protect the bay as habitat for his cherished shell- and fin fish.
Within hours of his son Keith's e-mail notification of his death, friends and colleagues were reacting to the news:
“It's a sad day in Birch Bay,” said Kathy Berg, chair, Birch Bay Steering Committee.
“Jerry will always be smiling as we work to restore the chum run in Terrell Creek... or spreading oyster seed in Birch Bay,” said Steve Seymour, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“I owe so much to Jerry and he asked for so little. Truly a precious soul to watch over all of us from the smallest seed clam to the water itself,” said Martha Simonsen, health educator, bariatric clinician.
“My thoughts go out to everyone in the Larson family and all of the people in our community that knew and appreciated Jerry. We are going to miss his presence tremendously,” said Rachel Vasak, executive director, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association.
The Lummi Island Watershed Enhancement Committee published their own tribute to Jerry at
We sent our thoughts to Keith: “Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We know Jerry from his work with the Chums of Terrell Creek, seeking to restore salmon to the creek. We were concerned about him because our e-mail to him last week bounced back. Please do keep us informed of any services or memorials. If there is anything we can do to help in this difficult time, please just ask,” Ruth Higgins and Al Krause.
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