Gerald (Jerry) Doyle Frisbee

On the morning of September 3, 2014, with peace and clarity, Jerry found his way to Heaven. He joined his beloved uncle Floyd and father and mother, Doyle and Vera (Sloan) Frisbee.

Jerry had many nicknames in his 66 years including Friz, Chickenpa, Jerdogs, and The Cowboy. In the past 2 precious years of his life (for defying the odds) he earned a new name, the Miracle Man. Jerry was comforted by the continuous love, support and prayers of friends and family and even strangers far and wide. He determined to spend his days with positivity, humor and with an iron will to survive.

Jerry was born September 28, 1947, at Memorial Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, WA. He was destined for a life in agriculture, growing up on a farm in Skiyou just east of town. As a child his days began early, helping in the milking parlor. When farm chores were done, stories of the Wild West came alive on horseback and with bb guns for Jerry and his neighborhood pals. He developed a lifelong love of raising cattle, was a member of 4-H and later became president of the Sedro-Woolley High School FFA, a State Farmer and respected cattle judge. Jerry was also a grappler on the Sedro Woolley Wrestling Team and a fan for life.

In 1966, Jerry officially became a proud Washington State Cougar. His collegiate pursuits included ROTC, graduating with a BS in Agriculture and also snagging the catch of his life, his future wife and best friend of over 40 years, Karen (McWherter). He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army upon graduation and was assigned to active duty in Fort Benning, GA. During this time, he had the good fortune of being close enough to enjoy frequent visits with his relatives in North Carolina. Once out of the military, Jerry returned home and, with a childhood friend, opened T&F Trucking and began hauling livestock as far away as Alabama and to the famed Cow Palace in San Francisco. Jerry and his father also grew cucumbers for Nalley’s and employed many of the neighborhood children and their moms. He and Karen were married in May 1974 and started a family.

Jerry eventually moved from the production side of things into sales and went to work for Brim Tractor, and later for Farmers Equipment. He loved his job and cared about his customers as though they were family. In all his life, Jerry never met a stranger. He was a storyteller at heart, with an abnormally large funny bone and a penchant for mischief. Around these parts, he was referred to as the Cow Whisperer and often explained the world’s mysteries through farm analogies.

A good day for Jerry was spent in the garden, out in the field talking to his cows, or taking the scenic route to stop in and visit with farmers and friends all over the country. He loved fishing trips and tailgating in Pullman with his Coug family. He enjoyed watching westerns and reading about the adventures of Lewis and Clark. When the music was just right, he could really cut a rug. Of all his life’s titles, his favorite was Grandpa.

Jerry is survived by his wife Karen; daughter Celeste Frisbee; son and daughter-in law Shawn & Katie (Lemanski) Frisbee, and grandson Calvin Gerald Frisbee; sister Stella Fox and extended family in Washington & North Carolina.

Jerry requested that we have a party in his honor. We invite you to celebrate the Original Cowboy on Saturday, September 20, at 2pm at the family home (food & refreshments will be provided). Please bring your favorite picture or memory to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gerald D. Frisbee donation account at Skagit Bank PO BOX 432, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.