Merna Mae Guard passed away July 31, 2012 at her home in Bermuda Dunes, Calif., after several bouts with cancer.

She was born Jan. 3, 1940, the daughter of John and Merle Jackson. She was raised in the home they built above Jackson’s Lagoon, near the salmon cannery they worked hard to establish and operate in the 1950s.

Merna was a member of the graduating class of 1958 from Friday Harbor High School. She married Dick Guard in 1961. They had two daughters, Coral and Toni.

For a number of years, Merna worked at San Juan County Bank, on Spring Street. Later, she was partnered with Jim Erickson and did bookkeeping for Friday Harbor Freight Line.

Merna was very active in the San Juan Island Dixieland Jazz Festival and co-chaired this annual event for several years.

For the last 20 years, Merna lived in Palm Desert, Calif. She enjoyed golfing, having learned the game when her folks established the San Juan golf course.

Merna is survived by her daughters, Coral and Toni, grandchildren, Sarah and Dylan Galligan, Jacque, Jonnie, and Lana Olsen, Trevor Guard, Amber Beeston, and Tyler McKee; her great grand children, Drake Guard, Cocora, and Lotus Lowe; her longtime partner, David “Skip” Rowland, and her brother, Terry Jackson.

Preceding Merna in death, were her husband, Dick, her partner, Jim; her parents, John and Merle, and her grandson, Jeffery Beeston.

Merna’s wishes were for her ashes to be interned in the Valley Cemetery on San Juan Island. Her family will plan a celebration of Merna’s of life at the time of internment.

A scholarship fund is being established to be given to any Friday Harbor graduate who wishes to pursue further training in either music or golf course administration and maintenance. Memorials to this scholarship in Merna’s honor can be sent to 640 Adams Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

— Family of Merna Mae Guard