Jamie Earl Lanning, age 83, a longtime resident of Clear Lake, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Birchview Memory Care in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

He was born on March 7, 1928 in Jackson County, North Carolina to Luther and Lonas (Stephens) Lanning. Jamie was the youngest of 8 children.

Jamie came to Skagit County in 1947 from North Carolina and since 1951 he has resided in Clear Lake.

He was united in marriage to Florence May in December of 1949 in Mount Vernon. He worked in the woods and for the railroad, later working for Skagit Steel and for Western Farmers Association (Cenex). Jamie retired from the City of Sedro-Woolley in 1990, after working various positions for 20 years.

Jamie was fondly referred to as the honorary Mayor of Clear Lake and was active in various Clear Lake community affairs. He was responsible for the installation of sidewalks along Hwy 9 in Clear Lake. He was also a member of the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. Jamie was an eager participant in the Clear Lake Penguin Dip on January 1st of each year. He will always be remembered for his mannequin displays in front of his home on Highway 9. Jamie enjoyed fishing and hunting and working on his two Model A’s. He and Barb enjoyed traveling. They took several cruises and often visited his family in North Carolina.

Jamie is survived by his longtime companion Barbara Rumsey, and his son, James Lanning both of Clear Lake. 7 grandchildren, Heather Criollo, Heidi Hash, Ashley Lanning, Donn Fish, Brandy Lanning, Dale Lanning, Barb’s daughter, Kathy Schmidt, her son, Zachary, and 13 great-grandchildren. Jamie also leaves behind nieces and nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Florence in 1975, a son, Dale Lanning in 2005, a grandson, Jeremy Lanning in 1974 and 7 brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11:00AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Tim Hedberg of the Clear Lake Community Covenant Church officiating. A reception will follow at the Clear Lake Historical Association Building. Memorials are suggested to the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 186 Clear Lake, WA 98235 or the Clear Lake Historical Association, PO Box 333, Clear Lake, WA 98235.