Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Oiness, age 70, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away September 23, 2020 at Skagit Valley Hospitał, Mount Vernon, Washington. He was born March 29, 1950 in Bellingham, to Robert and Ella May (Nash) Oiness.
Jeff attended grade schools in Sedro-Woolley, Burlington, and Bellingham. He graduated from Sehome High School, Bellingham in 1968. He attended WSU 1968-70.
He returned to the family home at Lake Samish and worked in a plywood plant before beginning a career in emergency medicine. He worked as an EMT for ambulance services in Bellingham and Everett before joining Skagit Valley Hospital. Jeff was a member of the first class of paramedics in Skagit County and served on the original crew of Skagit Medic I with six other classmates. When he left Skagit Valley Hospital in 1993, he began his own business as a landscape contractor doing both construction, and maintenance. Jeff’s final career was with Swinomish Casino and Hotel in Security and Safety until ill health caused him to retire in 2018.
Jeff enjoyed being in the outdoors throughout his life including hiking, camping, climbing, and trail building. In 1968, Jeff became part of the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council and was involved in search and rescue. He was a member of the volunteer fire departments of Lake Samish and LaConner during his residencies in those towns. Jeff became a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America when his son, Joe was old enough to enter the organization. He was Scoutmaster of Troop 51 and Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 75 for many years.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Shauna Jordan-Oiness; daughter, Elizabeth Oiness; son, Joseph C. Oiness of Sequim; grandchildren, Jodi, Paul, Erin, Kaidence and Lauren; brother, Michael Wiles and his wife, Julie of Alger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfathers, Clyde Wiles and Robert Monaghan.
Jeff was cremated per his wishes and will rest at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley. There will be no ceremony at this time but a memorial will occur at a later date when family, friends and coworkers can safely gather.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Jeff and sign the online guest register.
Farewell to the best Scoutmaster a kid could ever ask for. You were one of the funniest human beings I have ever been around and your one liners at key moments are still stuck in my head. You taught all of the Troop 51 scouts a ton about the outdoors, how to be a man, and about resilience and perseverance in life.
Throughout my life, at every low point or moment of uncertainty your lesson on “landing on the bounce” always resonated and spurred me to action figuring out where I was and what the next steps were to continue towards the mission.
RIP Animal. See you on the other side.
Jeff was a great mentor and work partner. We spent 16 years together in ambulances from Stanwood, Mount Vernon and Sedro Woolley. The memories are countless but I will always remember that laugh, the caring demeanor, and the incredible ability to answer every question correctly on Jeopardy! Jeff always had a great “war story” when we taught EMT classes together. Thank you Shauna for sharing him with us. Rest in peace Jeff.
Evan Swanson
Jeff,
I first met you as a paramedic when I started out my career as a Mount Vernon Police officer. Many aid calls, motor vehicle accidents I watched you in action. Your calmness in stressful situations was to be admired. Many lives were saved by you. You are truely a man for all seasons by your talents. I will always remember your laugh and compassion for others. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I and others have better lives because of you.
Jeff you will be missed, your service, caring and participation. More over your great sense of humor.
Steve
Rest in peace Jeff
Rest in peace Jeff. You will be missed. 💔
I loved my Cousin Jeff, he was always friendly, kind, loving, caring and compassionate. I will miss him a lot! May God rest his soul! I believe he was a believer, making the promise of John 3:16 one that applied to him; For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life! See you on resurrection day my dear cousin!!! Love you, Joey
Jeff was a pleasure to work with in the field and the classroom. He was bright and witty. No class ever escaped a one liner from Jeff, he called it as he saw it. The world has lost remarkable man and a good friend..❤️🚒