Clarence Cooper Strout, Jr.
My father, who was affectionately known as ‘Buzz’, passed away on December 31st, 2015, of complications from 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 20th, 1929 to Clarence and Gladys Strout in Seattle, Washington. 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 US 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 mussels 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 2nd wife Margie spent many wonderful years traveling the US, attending Jazz festivals and visiting old and new friends.
Kathy Rawls spent 3 years giving unconditional love and care to Buzz and Margie, he couldn’t have survived without you.
“Celebration of Life” will be held on January 30, 2016 from 11:00 to 3:00 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….