Jeffrey Alan Strickland, 67, of Seattle, died Thursday, July 15, 2021.

He was born June 21, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Billy Dean and Jean Strickland.

He attended Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois were he was a defensive tackle and recorded the most tackles in a season. Jeff also placed 11th in State of Illinois 185 lbs class in wrestling. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduate of University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

He lived in the midwest before "arriving" in the Seattle area in 1984. Attracted by the beauty of the PNW and following his older brother and lifelong companion, Scott, he built a life there. He was married to Leslie Thayer for 16 years.

He enjoyed staying active through exercise and playing basketball and soccer. In his later days he enjoyed taking road trips up and down the west coast and going to car shows with his youngest son, Colin.

Jeff is survived by his two sons Blake (Elise) Strickland and Colin Strickland; two grandchildren Blake Dean Strickland, Jr. and Margo Lou Strickland; older brother Scott (Maria) Strickland and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the Providence Elder Place program for providing Jeff a means to an abundant life in his last 7 years.

Arrangements are under the care of Elemental NW.

Contributions in memory can be made to Providence Elder Place.

June 21, 1954 - July 15, 2021

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Aug. 12 to Aug. 13, 2021.

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