Irvin “Leroy” Jacobson, 81, of Oak Harbor, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, in Everett. Leroy left this world under the hunter’s moon, surrounded by four generations of his family.
He was born Oct. 20, 1931, in Minot, N.D., to Oscar Jacobson and Agatha (Barnett) Jacobson.
On June 9, 1954, he married Betty Jewell (Baxley) Jacobson. He lived from birth until 1963 in Minot; from 1963 until 1970 in Everett; 1970 until 2011 in Greenbank, and from 2011 until 2013 in Oak Harbor.
Leroy served honorably in the United States Army and then worked for 45 years as a floor covering and Formica counter installer. He taught many young men the trade, including his son and sons-in-law.
He was baptized Catholic and his favorite prayer was the “Our Father.” Throughout Leroy’s life, he was on many different bowling teams. He also enjoyed playing pool. His favorite hobbies were fishing and hunting. One of his prized catches was a 21.2-pound male steelhead, caught off the beach at Lagoon Point on beautiful Whidbey, Island. Leroy was a faithful Little League fan and he attended many of his son’s then grandsons’ games. Family was Leroy’s greatest joy.
Leroy is survived by his children, Sandra (Rick) Bowler, Randy (Sally) Jacobson and Geri (Mike) Downey; grandchildren, Cassie Johnston, Travis Johnston, Richard Bowler, Jacob Bowler, Mary Jacobson, Sarah Jacobson, Daniel (Katie) Jacobson, Michael Downey and George Downey; and great-grandchildren, Damian Simpkins, Deandre Love, Maryah Love, Aurora Downing, Jason Downing and Addison Jacobson. He is also survived by a niece, Jeri (Jim) Angelo-Rakness; and nephews Tom Smesrud and Bob Smesrud.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Agatha Jacobson; stepfather, Emmett Blakley; sister, Marlys Angelo-Smesrud; brother-in-law, Pat Smesrud; brother-in-law, John Edward Angelo; brother, Andrew Jacobson; daughter Diane Lynn Jacobson-Johnston; and nieces Sheila (Collin) St. Croix and Linda (Donn) Feldner.
The family would like to thank Whidbey General Hospital, Providence Hospital Everett, Summer Hill Assisted Living and Burley Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life open house for Leroy will take place from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Greenbank Community Club House. Bring a potluck dish and your biggest fish story! Anyone with questions please call 360-678-7796.
Donations can be made at any Whidbey Island Bank branch to the Irvin Leroy Jacobson Memorial Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Burley Funeral Chapel.
