Clarence C. Strout Jr.

My father, who was affectionately known as “Buzz,” passed away on Dec. 31, 2015, from complications associated with pneumonia.

Buzz was the father of a large blended family: Debra L. Doces (Paul), and Steven G. Strout (deceased) (Margot); the grandfather to Chris Bender (Amanda), Melina Carter (Don), Michael Doces, Cooper Strout, Abbey Strout and one really terrific great-grandchild, Dominic Carter.

He was step-father to Steven Walters (Betty) and Marta Berry (Roy). His step-grandchildren, Kelly (Chad) Gosvener, Carrie Walters, Sheena Walters (Elias), Amanda and Jake Mosler (Krystal), treasured and loved their grandfather very much. His step-great-grand children Celian, Kalia, Gabriel, Natalie, and Siena visited him often.

He is also survived by his loving sister Peggy Foster, who he cherished, her children Craig, Mark and Vicki and many other nieces and nephews.

Buzz was born on April 20, 1929 to Clarence and Gladys Strout in Seattle, Wash. His sister Peggy and his brother Frank were his partners in crime. He was a proud graduate of Ballard High School and attended the University of Washington after serving in the U.S. Army.

Life for Buzz was always full of laughter, song and concern for his “island.” He and his first wife, Frankie, played bridge and set up the bridge club at Useless Bay Golf Club. They also spent countless hours keeping invasive mussel farms from Holmes Harbor, thereby proudly saving the native mussels. When you were around them you would be laughing so hard that your stomach hurt!

Frankie’s death left a hole that Buzz thought could never be filled. She was his soul mate. They built a cabin on Whidbey by themselves, and joyfully spent every possible minute with their family, including every summer up at their “piece of paradise on Whidbey Island.”

After Frankie’s death, his sister Peggy took him under her wing, and encouraged him to join her band, The Swing Again Jazz Band as vocalist and M.C. The rest is history, as they sang and played their way across Whidbey Island.

Buzz and his second wife Margie spent many wonderful years traveling the U.S., attending Jazz festivals and visiting old and new friends.

Kathy Rawls spent three years giving unconditional love and care to Buzz and Margie; he couldn’t have survived without you.

“Celebration of Life” will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club, 5725 S. Country Club Drive, Langley, WA 98260. 360-321-5960.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com

We miss you Pop….