By Bill Reynolds
La Conner Community News
When Jerry Willins spoke — whether to share sage advice, offer a witty anecdote, or share his wisdom on any number of weighty issues — people listened.
Willins, a trusted pharmacist, respected civic leader, and tireless devotee to public service, was also a great listener himself, always welcoming good conversation and a robust exchange of ideas.
That engagement was on display when he had an integral role in the launching of La Conner Community News almost two years ago.
Willins passed away Aug. 19, 2026, at the Channel Drive home he shared with his wife, Kathy, four days before his 85th birthday.
A memorial service honoring Willins and his remarkable life is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Christianson’s Vinery four miles northeast of La Conner.
Willins was born Aug. 23, 1941, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Gerald Linwood Willins and Rachael Lang Willins. He grew up in Lewiston, Maine. His family moved to the Pacific Northwest and his father worked as a chemical engineer for Weyerhaeuser. Jerry Willins graduated from Everett High School.
Willins initially majored in engineering at the University of Washington, planning to follow in his dad’s footsteps, but was eventually convinced by a fellow student to enroll in the UW’s School of Pharmacy.
His career began with a three-plus years stint in Fairbanks, a mining supply hub in Alaska’s interior. While there, Willins also launched his long-term commitment to public service, joining the Fairbanks Junior Chamber of Commerce.
As he daily manned the pharmacy counter, Willins gained the confidence of Fairbanks residents who shared with him their life stories and much of the community’s colorful history and lore.
“It was an exciting place,” Kathy recalls.
In the mid-60s, the couple — who had wed in college — moved back to Washington state, settling in Sedro-Woolley.
“We chose to go to Skagit Valley,” says Kathy. “It’s a very convenient location and by being a small-town pharmacist, Jerry was able to know everyone.”
Jerry Willins took ownership in Sedro-Woolley of the landmark Holland Drug Store, which would be recognized as the oldest continuously operated business in Skagit County. Under his watch, the hometown pharmacy became part of Holland Heath Services, specializing in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and equipment.
Willins had often cited as one of the key achievements of Holland Health Services its development of a custom wheelchair allowing clients to regain mobility despite suffering from severe tremors.
In Sedro-Woolley, Willins embarked on a 14-year tenure as a city council member, establishing an effective working relationship with Mayor Bill Stendel to advance important municipal policies and initiatives.
As had been the case in Fairbanks, residents of Sedro-Woolley and Holland Drug Store customers alike placed their trust in Willins.
“The stories from upriver just poured out over the pharmacy counter,” Kathy recalled. “Jerry met some very interesting people. When you’re a pharmacist, you’re a captive behind the counter. Jerry didn’t know if there’d be a guy coming in with a gun or a woman with a ferret.”
“I loved our customers,” Willins said in a 2025 interview with La Conner Community News. “Those old-time Sedro-Woolley families were very special.”
In 1993, Willins filled his last prescription. He and Kathy moved to Channel Drive and almost immediately began laying down roots in the neighborhood and volunteering with various local clubs, boards, nonprofit entities, and a host of community special events. The couple lent support to the Museum of Northwest Art, Skagit River Poetry Festival, and La Conner Swinomish Library.
Among other interests, Willins appreciated vintage vehicles and was a major promoter of the annual La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show. One year he scored a major coup by enticing the popular band Junior Cadillac to play after the show in the marina parking lot.
A proud La Conner Rotarian, Willins’ final mission was service on the startup La Conner Community News board of directors.
Last year Willins explained his participation in the new publication: “A newspaper tells stories and we learn by having people tell their stories. Everybody has a story to tell and the newspaper facilitates that.”
Few stories, of course, were as compelling and interesting as his own.
Willins was predeceased by his parents; a brother, John Willins; and a sister, Jane Dockstader.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Willins; a daughter, Susan White, of Seattle; a son and daughter-in law, Timothy and Robin Willins, of Bellingham; a foster daughter, Casandra Storms, of Florida; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to La Conner Community News, the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, and Hospice of the Northwest.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
