Kerry John Leavitt

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January 6, 1937 – December 6, 2021

Kerry John Leavitt was a hardworking man and patriarch to his family. He passed away peacefully at his home on December 6, 2021, which was also his and his wife Jeanne’s 63rd wedding anniversary.

Son of John and Thelma “Shorty” Fleming Leavitt, he was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, WA on January 6, 1937.

He went to Mount Baker High School and joined the Navy in 1954 as a Boiler Operator. He married Jeanne Bowhay in Bellingham on December 6, 1958. They lived in Lancaster, California and then Clallam County, first in Beaver and then settled their family in Bear Creek at their lifelong property.

Kerry worked in the logging industry for Rayonier, later for Olson & Miller, Dave Burrill, and then back to Miller. Kerry and his brother Garth ran their company, The Leavitt Brothers, in the evenings doing mechanical work. Other jobs that he accomplished in life were: shake bolting with multiple outfits, including Pete Jacobson, working on race cars in California, and busheling on Orcas Island. He and Jeanne also had a mushroom business for many years.

When he wasn’t working on machinery, Kerry loved to be in the outdoors; hunting, fishing and mushroom picking with his family. Nature was his grounding point, and he passed the love of the outdoors to his children.

Together they raised five children on their property in Bear Creek, opening their house to family and friends throughout the years. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to work on vehicles.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Garth Sr., Marvin, and Bill Leavitt; son-in-law, Mike Crippen Sr.; and grandson, Rafe Price.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne; and his brothers, Marty Aardema and Gary Aardema of Bellingham and Rick Leavitt of Port Townsend. He leaves behind his legacy in his son, John Leavitt and his daughters, Cheryl (Eric) Leppell, Lori (Mike) Crippen, Dora (Kirk) Price, Vicky (Seppi) Leavitt, as well as his 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Forks Elks Lodge #2524 on April 23rd, 2022, time will be determined later. Memorial contributions may be made to Forks Logger’s Memorial, Disabled Veterans of America or any organization related to the VA.