Gerry loved his family, his friends, and the open space of the mountains. He was a builder and loved working with his hands to create thoughtful and well-built homes.
Gerry was born in Seattle, on July 5, 1946, the first of three boys to Einar and Violet Haugen. He grew up overlooking Lake Washington, next door to his grandmother, in a house built by his grandfather, a master craftsman who emigrated from Finland. He attended Franklin High School and ultimately graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Construction Management.
Gerry loved being with family and celebrated his marriage of 40 years to Linda Rae Haugen in 2022. He and Linda shared a love of design and construction and built several beautiful homes in the Seattle area. He provided loving guidance, mentorship, and support to Linda’s three children, and they admired him for everything that he did with and for them. Gerry loved to read and research a variety of interests, and always brought lively discussion to every gathering.
Gerry was blessed to have parents that appreciated the beauty of the Northwest, and this spurred an ever-increasing interest in exploring nature and its beauty. He was the consummate mountain man and loved the outdoors in all forms. He was expert in avalanche safety and education, and taught avalanche education for The Mountaineering Club of Seattle for many years. So many students benefited from his deep understanding and respect of the mountains, yet the hazards they can also bring. Gerry loved to ski, hike, camp, kayak, fish, garden, and explore the wilderness of Washington mountains, lakes, and Puget Sound, and maintained annual trips and adventures with many friends and family. In this last year, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the outdoors with his close friend Judith Hansen.
Gerry enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Alaska where his skills were put to good use in the mountains and running boats on the vast waters of Alaska. He made many great friendships that endured his entire life. From his friendships, Gerry inherited a sourdough starter that dated back to the 1800’s, and this starter was the source of his famous sourdough pancakes served to so many family members and friends.
Gerry is survived by his three stepchildren Catherine Bloom (Michael Frey), Marc Bloom (Cheri Bloom) and Julie Israel (David Israel). Gerry is also survived by grandchildren Samuel Hohn (Lara Hohn), Sabina Bloom, Mikaela Israel, Sydney Israel, and great grandchildren Henry Hohn and Grace Hohn. Additionally, Gerry is survived by his brothers Kenneth Haugen and David Haugen (Jean Bray), and cousins Karen Baughman (Mark Baughman), April Boyd (David Cassity), Adam Baughman, Nathan Baughman (Jessica Baughman).
A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held 11am to 2pm, Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Washington Square Tower, 10610 NE 9th Place, 3rd Floor Bellevue, WA 98004.
Remembrances may be made to The Mountaineers Club, https://mountaineers.org/GerryHaugen
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