Jay Severin Westerholm

Jay was born to William “Sharkey” and Mabel (Barendse) Westerholm on June 22, 1948, in Astoria, Oregon. Jay lived his whole life in Brownsmead, Oregon, attended Hilda Lahti Elementary, Knappa High School and Clatsop Community College, receiving an associate degree in forestry.

He graduated from high school in 1966, and was a member of the 1966 State 2A Basketball Championship team, which was one of his most valued accomplishments. He was a proud gillnet fisherman on the Columbia River all his life, as well as later in life, driving a log truck for 20 years. He loved working on his farm in Brownsmead and raising beef cows.

On Dec. 4, 1971, he married the love of his life, Connie Quimby, who still resides on their farm in Brownsmead, having been married 45 years. Together they raised two sons, Gerritt (Shannon) of Svensen, and Jason (Tiffany) of Gresham, Oregon.

Jay was a quiet, compassionate family man, and his sons were his whole world. He loved having them by his side, fishing, farming or watching his favorite ballgames.

His favorite pastime was attending Knappa sporting events, and in recent years, watching his grandchildren playing in sports, as he had in his growing years. He loved history, especially the local history, and he read all he could on how this area was settled.

Besides his wife and sons, Jay is survived by five grandchildren, Austin, Hunter and Mason of Svensen, and Kayla and Ethan of Gresham, Oregon; a brother, Jon (Ina) of Brownsmead; a sister-in-law, Charlotte, of Seaside; a brother-in-law, Alan Quimby of Svensen; a sister-in-law, RaeAnn Quimby, and mother-in-law, Geraldine Quimby, of Brownsmead; his nephews, Erik, Karl and Bill; a niece, Kristen; and countless cousins and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerry, of Seaside.

Contributions may be made to Knappa High School Booster Club or the charity of one’s choice.

At Jay’s request, there will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.