County Council has moment of silence in memory of Jeff Wasnick

The San Juan County Council had a moment of silence Monday in memory of Jeffrey Lloyd Wasnick, the county’s code enforcement officer, who reportedly died of a heart attack Sunday.

Wasnick was 55 and lived on Lopez Island. Viewing and visitation is scheduled Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Evans Funeral Chapel, 1105 32nd St., Anacortes. Memorial service is at 3 p.m.

“It’s really hit hard here. It was so unexpected,” said Ron Henrickson, director of the county’s Community Development and Planning Department. “He was such a good guy. He’s going to be missed a great deal.”

Rene Beliveau, deputy director and chief building official, said, “He will be hard to replace. He was a very valued employee and a pleasure to work with.”

Shannon FitzGerald, senior planner, added, “We will miss him terribly.”

County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord said, “Jeff Wasnick was an honest problem-solver. He never postured for position. His folksy, matter-of-fact style was effective and made working with him a real pleasure.”

Wasnick was born Aug. 1, 1953 in Crystal, Minn., the son of Lloyd and Marianne Pribble Wasnick. He was a forester with the Minnesota state Department of Natural Resources before he joined the CDPD staff in 2005.

A more detailed obituary will be posted on SanJuanJournal.com and published in the March 11 Journal.

— With reporting by Ann Templeton Monin

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