Jerry Dennon (Gerald Burdette Dennon) Obituary
Published
in The Seattle Times on Feb. 19, 2017
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=184185736
Jerry Dennon 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, OR, 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.
He graduated from Seaside, OR, 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. He worked at KOIN-TV and TV Guide before moving to
Hollywood, CA to pursue a career in record promotion. However, soon after he
was drafted into the Army 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.
In 1963 he started Jerden Records which produced The
Kingsmen of Louie Louie fame, The Sonics, Don & The Goodtimes, Springfield
Rifle, Ian Whitcomb and many more. He was a major influence in the Northwest
music scene and was honored with three gold records and two Clio awards.
Soundworks, the parent company, is still run today by his partner Bob Wikstrom.
Jerry had many other endeavors over the years; Concert
Promotion, started Pacific Ocean Farms in Rich Passage on Bainbridge Island,
Media Brokerage as well as 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 family was his true love along with their Labrador
Retrievers. Work was always his hobby.
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.
Published
in The Seattle Times on Feb. 19, 2017
…………
Gerald
Burdette Dennon Guest Book remained online until 3/1/2018.
http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/seattletimes/gerald-burdette-dennon-condolences/184185737?cid=full&_ga=2.71640531.1308194461.1514065808-1137585622.1514065808&page=2
1938 - 2017
:::::
September
19, 2017
I first recorded for Jerry with Tom Thumb and the Casuals in
the middle 60s. Some of those songs have found their way to Youtube and still
live on. I spent my whole life writing, recording and producing music...and 30
years of it at the Music Source Studios in Seattle. During those years I worked
with Jerry again--this time as a producer for several local groups for his
First American Records. My love for music and recording as a way of life was
encouraged by my early experiences with Jerry and I have many wonderful
memories of his imprint on my life.
Jim Wolfe, Seattle, WA
:::::
March
30, 2017
I have often thought about Jerry over the years and today
when I woke up he was on my mind. I worked for Jerry 1969-1971 so I searched
for Jerden Ind. and was surprised to learn that he had just passed away. He was
a wonderful person and a boss that made working fun! I was introduced to many
Seattle bands and for a 23 year old kid, it was an exciting job to be a
secretary for Jerry Dennon. I will always cherish my memories of Jerry and the
musical journey that made life so much fun... I regret not reaching out to him
sooner and letting him know that he made an impression on my life. My
condolences to his wife and family.
Carolyn Moore, Seattle, WA
:::::
February
25, 2017
I have been thinking of Jerry these past few weeks and was
tempted to reach out and give him a call. I'm sad to hear of his passing. He
would come out as see us "LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends" play
almost every time we played at the Treehouse on Bainbridge. I had several great
conversations with him about old NW rock and roll and how much it had
influenced me. He was a major part of the NW sound........
Terry Morgan
:::::
February
25, 2017
Gerry gave my first break and was a kind and generous
mentor. I'm so glad we reconnected a few years back. He was a NW legend. Rest
In Peace old friend.
Danny O'Keefe, Vashon, WA
:::::
February
23, 2017
Remembering the golden days at Jerden and sending sincere
condolences to Ann and the family. He and Jeff Beals and Gil Bateman with a
host of others, will have many things to discuss.
Most Sincerely,
Wendy
Maguire
Ellensburg
....
JERRY DENNON, General Manager, Seattle
General manager of Transcontinental Distributing’s new Seattle branch is Jerry Dennon, who since the fifties, has been active in almost every phase of the entertainment field. In addition to owning and operating his own merchandising company at one time, he was national sales and promotion manager for a record producing company and president of a distributing company located in the Northwest. After attending Linfield College in Oregon, he joined the promotion department of KOIN-TV in Portland. He later moved to TV Guide, heading up that publication’s promotion activities in his native state. Jerry also owns his own producing and production company, as well as an artist management firm. Among his hits are “Louie, Louie,” “You Turn Me On,” and “Jolly Green Giant.”
....
More about
Jerry Dennon at Wildcatville:
--Linfield
Wildcats connection to the Kingsmen’s classic ‘Louie Louie’
--List of
Linfield SIDs (sports information directors)
--
