Jerry Hanson, 80, died Jan. 30, 2010, at Harborview Medical Center after a sudden illness. He was born Oct. 20, 1929, in Tacoma to John R. and Ingeborg Anderson Hanson. He grew up in the Tacoma area and attended public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1947

Jerry entered the U.S. Navy in 1948, serving through both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, retiring in 1970 as a Chief Parachute Rigger. It was the Navy that brought him to Whidbey Island first in 1961. After he retired from the Navy, he opened his own business called ABC Upholstery and was known for his quality work creating canvas covers in the boating community.

Jerry is survived by his special friend, Elizabeth Rumsey, son Brian Hanson (Melinda and two grandchildren) of Alexandria, Va., stepson Kenneth Dodson of Union City, Calif., a sister Alice Hanson of Tacoma, a niece Karren Billingsley and nephew Neil Hanson, both of Puyallup.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.