Gerald Burdette Dennon

Sept. 18, 1938 - Jan. 30, 2017

Jerry passed away January 30, 2017 at his home on Bainbridge Island. He was born September 18, 1938 to E. (Bud) Burdette Dennon and W. Elaine Looney and was raised in Cannon Beach, OR. He graduated from Seaside High School in 1955 where he was active in Sports Journalism, was the Student Body President and hosted the school’s weekly radio program on KAST Radio in Astoria, OR.

Jerry went on to attend Linfield College and Northwest Broadcasting School. While at NBS he worked at KOIN-TV and The Oregonian.

Jerry moved to Hollywood, CA to pursue a career in record promotion but it was cut short when he was drafted into the Army where he served for 6 years in reserves.

In 1962 he married Anne Vining, his wife of 54 years. They lived in Bellevue with their two children until moving to Bainbridge Island in 1978.

Soon after getting married Jerry started his own record company Jerden Records which went on to produce The Kingsmen of Louie Louie fame, The Sonics, The Brothers Four, Ian Whitcomb and many more. He was honored with three gold records and two Clio awards. The company grew to be a part of his larger company Soundworks, which is still run today by his partner Bob Wikstrom.

Jerry had many other endeavors over the years; concert promotion, starting Pacific Ocean fish farming on Bainbridge Is., media brokerage and radio station ownership. He served on the board of Poncho, was President of the American Salmon Growers Assoc., on the Vestry at St. Barnabas Church and a member of Wing Point Golf & Country Club.

Jerry’s true love was always his family and his Labrador Retrievers and his hobby was always his work.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth Dennon Kaltreider and his brother James of Seaside. He is survived by his wife Anne, son Daniel (Vika) of Bainbridge, brother Jack (Jeani) of Seaside; and grandchildren Jack Kaltreider, Karina, Darya and Yuriy Dennon.

Arrangements are through Cook Family Funeral Home. A private family service is planned. Remembrances may be made to the Elijah Fund at St. Barnabas Church.

1187 Wyatt Way, B.I., WA 98110.