Gerald Linson, 67, of Coupeville, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 26, 2009, after a two-and-a-half year battle with lung cancer. Gerald was born Aug. 8, 1941, in Fort Collins, Colo., to Jerome W. and Josephine L. (Martinez) Linson.

Gerald joined the Navy after high school, and later the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant in 1979.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Gerald began working at Fortin Laminating Corporation in San Fernando, Calif. He worked as a maintenance mechanic, slowly working his way up the ladder to become the engineering manager. It was also at Fortin Laminating that he met his wife, Esther.

Esther and Gerald were married on May 4, 1984, in San Fernando, Calif. Ester mentioned to Gerald that she loved the rain so in 1985, he brought her to Whidbey Island. Gerald had fallen in love with the Island while stationed here during his time in the Navy. He had told her he wanted to retire here so in 1987, they made the move from California. The beautiful view from their home kept them here for over 20 years.

After his retirement, Gerald drove the paratransit bus on Whidbey Island, and the Access bus on Whidbey Island and in Bellevue. He also drove the Airporter from Whidbey Island to Mount Vernon. He really enjoyed helping people and met many people during his time driving the buses.

Gerald loved his children. Together, Gerald and Esther loved cooking, eating good food and listening to music. Gerald especially enjoyed country music, and dressing up in his boots and cowboy hat. He had a great sense of humor, always saying something to make people around him chuckle. He was an avid football fan, cheering mostly for the Raiders. He also loved watching movies. Gerald loved animals, especially his cat, Neesa. She knew how to make him laugh and had a strong connection with her master.

Preceding Gerald in death is his father, Jerome W. Linson.

Gerald is survived by his wife Esther of Coupeville; mother Josephine Linson of Hemet, Calif.; children, Lance Linson of North Carolina, Laura Linson of Everett, Julie Linson of Crestline, Calif., and Wendy Brotmarkle of Crestline; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Charleen Purviance of Maple Valley, and Jackie Carlson of Long Beach, Calif.; brother, Larry Linson of Auburn; and his beloved cat Neesa, at home with Esther.

A memorial service will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 12:15 p.m. with honors by the McChord Air Force Base Honor Guard. Private family inurnment will be held at the Maple Leaf Cemetery Columbarium. A Celebration of Gerald’s Life will be held at the Admiral’s Cove Clubhouse following the service.

Memorials have been suggested to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004. Donations may also be made online at www.lungusa.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.