Ellis Linson

Ellis Thomas “Frenchy” Linson of Coupeville joined our Lord Saturday, April 9, 2005, at Whidbey General Hospital following extended complications with diabetes. Elllis was born in Houma, La., Sept. 21, 1944, to William Thomas and Jewell Christina Linson.

Ellis entered the U. S. Navy in September of 1963 and served as a personnel man. He served during Vietnam aboard troop transport ships and was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal, as well as medals for expert in pistol and rifle. He retired June 30, 1983, as a PN 1 (E-6). Following retirement, Frenchy went to work for civil service for 10 years, serving as a dispatcher for NAS Whidbey Fire Department.

Ellis met the love of his life, Geraldine, known to her friends as “Gerri,” in California. They were married in Ocean Springs, Miss., October 13, 1978. Ellis and Gerri moved to Oak Harbor in 1980. Ellis was very active in the community. He was a Hunter Safety Instructor for the Central Whidbey Sportsmen Club in Coupeville for many years. He was an assistant leader with Troop 58 of the Boy Scouts of America for more than 10 years.

Ellis was also a Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver, having completed the WSU certification, which lead to his participation in the Island County Fair, where he won hundreds of awards. He loved to fish, read and teach hunting safety and cook.

Ellis is survived by his wife Geraldine at the family home, Coupeville; two sons, Brian Ellis Linson and wife Tracy of Coupeville and Eric Thomas Linson and wife Jacquie of Vancouver, and stepson David LaMarche and wife Sandra of Concord, Calif. He is also survived by his beloved mother Christine Jewell of Houma, La.; two brothers, Stanley Linson and Howard Linson, and two sisters, Miriam Warner and Elizabeth Lucas, all of Houma, La. His father William Thomas Linson preceded him in death.

Ellis was the very proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Kali, Zoey and Kaleb Linson, all of Coupeville; Bryant Linson of Vancouver and Shelby and David LaMarche of Concord, Calif.

Those who were fortunate to have known Ellis knew what a kind, loving, and generous man he was. He made friends daily and kept them for life. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services for Ellis “Frenchy” Linson were held at Burley Funeral Chapel April 15 with Cmdr. Fred Renfroe, CHC, USN (Ret.) officiating. Cremation followed with private family inurnment. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.