Joseph A Hamernik, a resident of Oak Harbor for the last 40 years, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2009, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Jean, and sons Lon, Ken, and Joe, their wives, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Bill and Wayne of Winona, Minn., and a sister, Teresa in San Diego.

Joe was born in Winona, Minn., in 1923, joined the U.S. Navy in May 1942. His 30-year naval career took him to China, the Philippines, San Diego, Japan and Virginia. Much of his time was spent on the aircraft carriers Shangri-La, Ticonderoga, Lexington, Constellation, and the America. His last duty station was Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, where he retired in July of 1972 as a lieutenant commander. During his retirement years he traveled extensively, visiting over 25 countries. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast both as a spectator and as a participant. He also loved to sing, and was with the barbershop chorus, the An-o-Chords, for over 30 years which brought him a lifetime of friendships and the camaraderie of cooking salmon with his buddies on the beach at the annual salmon barbecue.

A special thanks to the staff at Home Place for their loving care of Joe.

There will be no services. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Washington, P.O. Box 4104, Bellingham, WA 98227. A celebration of Joe’s life will take place at a future date.