Jerry Lavin McKain

Dr. Jerry Lavin McKain, 92, of Steilacoom, Washington passed away March 23,2023.  He was born to Roe and Grace McKain on July 2, 1930 in Burlington, Washington. He grew up
in Ballard, Washington; where he, along with his dog and a cohort of friends roamed freely. Jerry was very close with his Aunt Ell and Uncle Mort McKain, a Washington State Patrol
officer. As a youngster, he often rode alongside his uncle up Snoqualmie Pass, wearing a matching patrolman's uniform. He had happy memories of visiting his aunt and uncle after they
retired to a beach cabin on Camano lsland. This same cabin site would later become the destination spot for three generations of family members to experience the joys of beach life at
Camano.

Upon graduation from Ballard High School, Jerry attended Seattle University; where he met his future wife, Mary Ellen. He spent summers in Ketchikan, Alaska working on a floating fish trap
to earn money for tuition. Following graduation, he and Mary Ellen worked for the Archdiocese of Seattle at Catholic Charities; where they made lifelong friends. During that time, Jerry
received a Masters degree in Social Work at St. Louis University; foregoing lunches in order to be able to buy an engagement ring for his beloved Mary Ellen.

Jerry and Mary Ellen were married in 1955 and shortly after he became an officer in the medical branch of the U.S. Army. This was the beginning of a career that combined his desire for
professional challenge and variety in the field of psychiatric social work along with his love of travel and adventure. An additional by-product included the opportunity to establish
friendships that became like family. While stationed in Washington, D.C., Jerry attained a PhD at Catholic University while working fulltime. He always credited his wife for making that
possible.

Jerry retired from active duty as a full Colonel in 1979 and settled in Steilacoom, Washington. There he and Mary Ellen recreated their home on three acres into their own Tir na nOg, from an
old lrish legend. This was followed by additional careers in which he established a private practice in individual and family therapy; created a Masters in Social Work program at Pacific
Lutheran University and served as the Director of Quality Assurance at Western State Hospital. Throughout his life, Jerry maintained a strong faith, which he shared with his wife and six
daughters. He also shared his love of boats; whether tinkering with them or out on the water. He had an infectious laugh and renowned sense of humor and he was able to find something
positive in almost any situation. When his daughter, Molly, was in a coma after a serious car accident, Jerry and Mary Ellen chose to bring her home for care. Through faith and the help of
family and friends, Molly made an amazing recovery. This would not have been possible without his strong conviction and commitment to family. His love for them was unconditional.

Jerry spent the last three and one half years of his life at Franke Tobey Jones in Tacoma, Washington; part of that with Mary Ellen until her death in 2O2O. They were cared for by a
loving staff, whose kindness will be forever appreciated. Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen and daughter, Molly. He will be dearly missed by his family which includes: daughters, Patricia (Leo), Maureen (Patrick), Eileen (Brian), Kathleen (John), Megan (Adam); grandchildren, Lea (Zach), Molly (Kino), Alec, Madison, Maggie, Matt, Kate, Molly, Mara, lan, Jackie (Jon), Kate and great-grandchildren, Fiona, Theodore.

Jerry and Mary Ellen are now reunited with their daughter, Molly and loved ones in a heavenly Tir na nOg, their land of the forever young. Slainte!

A Catholic funeral mass and celebration of Jerry and Mary Ellen and their life together will be held at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 10508 112th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, July 29, 2023 at 10:00am.

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