Jon Ernest Greene, who lived in the Skagit Valley most of his life, died in his home in Marblemount on May 2nd, 2008.
Greene is remembered by many local people as a master jeweler for his creations of beautiful bracelets, rings and pendants. His creations were made using the lost wax casting of precious metals process. He also had a foundry locally known as the Skagit Dragon Foundry.
Jon Greene was born in Mount Vernon October 8, 1941 to Ernie and Jewel Spencer Greene. In his early years he lived in the present Mount Baker Hotel that was purchased and run by his parents. Later, Ernie and Jewel Greene purchased the Log House Inn in Marblemount where they were proprietors of a combined tavern, cafe and inn. Jon lived there and attended the Marblemount Grade School and Concrete High School from which he graduated in 1960.
Jon then worked for the Washington State Department of Fisheries until he went into the U.S. Navy in 1964. He served on a Naval Medic Ship that attended to service men who were injured during combat action in Viet Nam. He was also stationed at Suvic Bay in the Philippines and various ports in Japan.
After his discharge he returned home to find the country in an uproar over the Viet Nam war and took a few years to find himself again. Eventually he began working for a dental laboratory in Seattle. This experience resulted in him having a dental lab of his own in the 1970’s. In the late 1970’s to early 80’s he came back to Marblemount to establish a foundry and the casting of fire arts. Since the late 90’s he has concentrated mostly on the making of fine silver and gold jewelry.
Jon Greene is survived by one brother, Richard Greene of Concrete and one sister, Mara Greene of Soap Lake. Also surviving him is one son, Jeffery Greene of Seattle, one daughter, Jessica who is Mrs. Nathan Kincaid of Bellingham, and special companion Joyce Harris of Marblemount. He also has many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Marblemount Community Hall. Cremation arrangements under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. The family suggest memorials in his name to the Skagit Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, www.skagithospicefoundation.com. or VVA Chapter 212.